The contemporary work of art “Portale Nord”, located at the entrance to the town, at the intersection between Corso Torino and Strada Statale 20, was presented to the public this morning, Tuesday 4 June. The inauguration ceremony was which took place in the presence of the mayor of Limone Massimo Riberiof the members of the Municipal Executive and Council and of the local institutions.
The installation, born from an idea by the Limonese artist Osvaldo Moi and created with the intervention in the technical phases of the surveyor designer Alessandro Vernassa, of the Turin company Metalcar, executor of the metal works, and of the company Giovanni Bellone, site manager , is intended to be a welcome ticket for visitors to Limone and a tribute to the tourist vocation connected to the outdoors of the town.
The structure of the sculpture has a base in reinforced concrete, with the positioning of sheets of different materials: those in Corten represent the silhouettes of the main mountains of Limone, while those in powder-coated steel depict the silhouettes of four athletes, each intent on practicing one different sport (alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing and cycling).
“On behalf of the Municipal Administration I express our pride in being able to inaugurate this splendid sculpture, designed by our fellow citizen and dear friend Osvaldo Moi – declared Mayor Riberi – . A work that aims to enhance our town, strategically positioned at the entrance door of Limone, which represents a welcome message for anyone arriving, immediately communicating the peculiarities of Limone’s outdoor tourist offer. The installation highlights our splendid mountains and depicts some of the numerous sporting and outdoor activities that have developed over time, thanks to the natural characteristics of the area. Special thanks to all those who collaborated in the various phases of the realization of the work”.
During the ceremony, a message from the artist Moi, who was not present for concurrent work reasons, was read. “I am grateful to the mayor Massimo Riberi and the municipal authorities for believing in my project which brings with it the feeling of belonging and affection to Limone Piemonte – commented Osvaldo Moi – . It took years to reach this goal, but this allowed me to express, as best I could, the overall vision of the work until its completion. I wanted to represent the constituent and characterizing elements of Limone, the attitude to sports, as well as the welcoming and inclusive nature. This monument is a tribute to beauty and history of Limone Piemonte, is a place where art and nature meet”.
“The precious Corten takes up the Cros mountains as a backdrop for steel athletes, moving shapes on a snow-covered country, a symbol of harmony and love for our land – continued Moi – . Naturally, Corten, with the help of atmospheric events, will take on that natural burnished color that distinguishes it and which will enhance all its beauty. I hope that the public can recognize the representative, but also emotional and cultural value of a journey that lasted three years which aims to be an expression of my connection to the country in which I grew up. Reproducing this message through an artistic creation means using a universal language that unites people across borders, stimulating reflection and appreciation of beauty in all its forms. Lastly, I would like to sincerely thank my wife Roberta, my biggest fan, my critic most honest and my most precious advisor, together with all those who will be able to appreciate the work and perceive my feeling of affection towards Limone”.
