Giostra

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Petra Longo

The Artwork: Giostra draws inspiration from the legend of the Gallo Nero (the Black Rooster), a historic symbol linked to the rivalry between Florence and Siena and the birth of the Chianti territory. According to tradition, the crowing of the Black Rooster in the dead of night favored the victory of the Florentines, becoming over time the defining emblem of the region’s identity. The artwork is designed as an interactive device that directly engages the viewer: through movement, two carousels of black and white roosters rotate as if on a merry-go-round, symbolically evoking a continuous chase suspended between competition, balance, and collective memory. The stars scattered throughout the composition recall the nocturnal atmosphere of the legend, helping to create a narrative and imaginative dimension where history, symbol, and play intertwine.

Biography: Petra Longo was born in Vicchio, in the Mugello region, and currently lives in Florence. Following her training at the Liceo Artistico, she deepened her knowledge in the field of set design, collaborating with renowned theatrical institutions such as the Teatro della Pergola and the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Today, her artistic research focuses primarily on sculpture, with a particular interest in clay, mold-making, and the representation of the animal world. Through manual craftsmanship and technical experimentation, her works express a deep connection to nature and a constant dedication to discovering new languages and expressive possibilities.