Once upon a time, deep in the heart of Tuscany, the ancient hilltop town of Casole d’Elsa was filled with plastic objects in the name of art…
The small 12th century town of Casole d’Elsa near Siena saw its main street completely transformed by this unusual work of art in 2001. The quirky and colourful piece by Thai artist Surasi Kusolwong was exhibited as part of the Arte All’Arte project.
Launched in 1996, the event invited six artists from all over the globe to create a work of art in one of six Tuscan towns. Each object used in this piece, entitled 1,000 Lira Market, was made in Thailand and cost 1,000 lire (35p). Intended as a criticism of consumerism, Kusolwong’s unique artwork temporarily turned this charming ancient town into
a kitsch, colourful playground of plastic.