Location: The archaeological site at Vigna Barberini on the Palatine , Rome
Materials: Existing laurel tree ( Laurus nobilis), bronze rods
Dimensions: Length along the tilted axis (incl. tree) - 6 m'
Key Meanings: Genius Loci, the martyrdom of S. Sebastian, Apollo's Laurel tree, the Gardens of Adonis, Elagabal's cult of the solar Baal of Emesa.
Artist Statement: The proposed intervention makes use of a Laurus nobilis growing on the northern part of the site, behind the church. The tree which is to be pierced with shafts of bronze will continue growing despite its 'wounds'… One can appreciate (with the help of G. D'Annunzio, A. Artaud and M. Detienne) a tenuous, complex yet discernable connection, linking the themes surrounding this location: the gardens of Adonis of Domitian, Elagabal's temple and its rites, and the figure of S. Sebastian, who's martyrdom is believed to have taken place at this site and to whom the nearby church is dedicated.
The piercing is not expected to harm the tree but it is proposed to perform it in a gradual process. It is proposed to lubricate the metal in contact with the tree with plastic
