A creative dialogue
OASI Contemporary Art and Architecture, nestled within Oasi Dynamo, is hosting a solo exhibition by Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou, and will soon feature an open-air park showcasing works by renowned architects.
Art and nature meet in the Pistoian Apennines, thanks to OASI Contemporary Art and Architecture. Immersed within the 1,000-hectare nature reserve of Oasi Dynamo, OCA presents a beauty born from the dialogue between human creativity and the wonders of the planet that hosts us. Following its inauguration in 2023, OCA has reopened with an exclusive new exhibition. After a walk through the woods, visitors arrive at a sunny plateau with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In what was until last year a large cowshed, a museum space has emerged, now hosting the exhibition Love Letter from June to November.
This solo exhibition by Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou—organized in collaboration with Galleria Continua and curated by Marco Bazzini and Emanuele Montibeller—features Tayou’s multifaceted works addressing environmental issues.
In the exhibition hall, visitors encounter a journey through sculptural forms, artifacts, and objects created from found or recycled materials, evoking both artisanal craftsmanship and the remnants of a consumerist society. A notable example is Plastic Bags, a monumental sculpture made of plastic bags symbolizing the pollution generated by consumer culture. Additionally, Poupée Pascale and Bantu Towels reflect cultural hybridity, while the monumental frescoes and Colorful Stones on the walls allude to the effects of globalization. Finally, the neon work Love from Dynamo, 2024 honors those who, in the artist’s words, “serve human values in daily life”, especially Camp Dynamo, which shares a boundary and a culture of kindness with Oasi.
At the top, the installation of Love Letter, a solo exhibition by Pascale Marthine Tayou, which can be visited at OASI Contemporary Art and Architecture until November 3 [Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm; oasycontemporaryart.com]. Above, at the entrance, Plastic Bags, a sculpture made from plastic bags, symbolizing the pollution generated by consumer society.
Soon, OCA’s experience will become even more immersive with the addition of an open-air sculpture park. Beginning next year, visitors will be able to enjoy a nature walk punctuated by works from architects such as Alejandro Aravena, Stefano Boeri, Michele De Lucchi with Mariangela Gualtieri, Kengo Kuma, Davide Quayola, Diana Scherer, Matteo Thun, and Edoardo Tresoldi. This exploration of the human-nature relationship aims to find paths toward greater harmony, embracing Dynamo’s optimistic and pragmatic approach. With the aim of promoting the idea that protecting nature does not mean prohibiting its enjoyment but rather experiencing it with a culture of respect, Oasi hosted the international meeting of National Geographic Explorers for the third year.
Photographers, ecologists, marine scientists, and archaeologists supported by the National Geographic Society gathered to share studies and explore new ways to amplify the impact of research and projects dedicated to the planet’s preservation.
Encouraged by the growing awareness of biodiversity, a National Geographic Photo Masterclass was offered, providing a unique photographic training experience combining the expertise of National Geographic instructors, the natural reserve setting, and the comforts of Oasyhotel lodges. To make it even more memorable, the best photos by participants will be published in National Geographic Italia.
