Sculptural Limbs Emerge from Rome's Catacomb-Inspired Bar Far: A Bold Fusion of Ancient Reverence and Contemporary Design
In the vibrant heart of Rome's Trastevere district, a truly unique temporary establishment, Bar Far, recently captivated visitors with its audacious blend of ancient aesthetics and contemporary artistic intervention. Commissioned by Villa Lontana, a non-profit art collective dedicated to exploring the intricate connections between historical and modern creative practices, Bar Far was more than just a drinking spot; it was a profound, immersive art experience.
A Cavernous Canvas by Studio Strato
The architectural vision for Bar Far was brought to life by Studio Strato, an esteemed architecture practice. Their design transformed Villa Lontana's exhibition space into a cavernous, catacomb-like interior. This was not a mere stylistic choice but a deliberate evocation of Rome’s subterranean history, echoing the city’s ancient burial sites and hidden chambers. The aesthetic was raw and visceral, inviting patrons into a space that felt both historically resonant and unsettlingly modern. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the rough textures, created an atmosphere that was at once intimate and expansive, reminiscent of sacred or forgotten places.
Artistic Protrusions: Clementine Keith-Roach and Christopher Page
The most striking and discussed feature of Bar Far was the series of sculptural elements collaboratively created by artists Clementine Keith-Roach and Christopher Page. From the textured walls of the bar, anatomical forms—specifically arms and legs—appeared to protrude, as if emerging from the very fabric of the building. These unsettling yet captivating forms served as powerful visual anchors, blurring the lines between the architectural structure and an almost organic presence. Keith-Roach’s work often engages with classical fragments and the human body, while Page’s interventions frequently respond to the context of a space. Here, their combined efforts created a dialogue between archaeological discovery and a contemporary surrealism, challenging perceptions of permanence, the body in space, and the layers of history embedded within a modern city.
Villa Lontana's Vision: Bridging Eras
Bar Far perfectly encapsulated Villa Lontana's core mission. By creating a temporary installation that actively engaged with Rome's historical essence through a thoroughly contemporary lens, the collective fostered a unique platform for cultural discourse. The bar became a living, breathing exhibition, where the act of socializing intertwined with an appreciation for art and history. The temporary nature of the installation further underscored the transient beauty of artistic expression and the ever-evolving interpretation of the past.
Summary
Bar Far was a testament to the power of collaborative design and artistic vision. Through the combined talents of Studio Strato, Clementine Keith-Roach, and Christopher Page, and under the patronage of Villa Lontana, a temporary space in Rome transcended its function to become a profound statement on history, art, and human presence. The catacomb-inspired interior, punctuated by its memorable sculptural forms, offered an unparalleled experience, reaffirming Rome’s enduring capacity to inspire and provoke through the fusion of ancient and contemporary creativity.
Resources
- Dezeen: A leading architecture and design magazine, frequently covering innovative installations and projects worldwide.
- ArchDaily: An internationally recognized online platform for architecture, offering extensive project details and critical analysis.
- Villa Lontana: The official website of the non-profit art collective, detailing their mission, past exhibitions, and artistic collaborations.
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In the vibrant heart of Rome's Trastevere district, a truly unique temporary establishment, Bar Far, recently captivated visitors with its audacious blend of ancient aesthetics and contemporary artistic intervention. Commissioned by Villa Lontana, a non-profit art collective dedicated to exploring the intricate connections between historical and modern creative practices, Bar Far was more than just a drinking spot; it was a profound, immersive art experience.
A Cavernous Canvas by Studio Strato
The architectural vision for Bar Far was brought to life by Studio Strato, an esteemed architecture practice. Their design transformed Villa Lontana's exhibition space into a cavernous, catacomb-like interior. This was not a mere stylistic choice but a deliberate evocation of Rome’s subterranean history, echoing the city’s ancient burial sites and hidden chambers. The aesthetic was raw and visceral, inviting patrons into a space that felt both historically resonant and unsettlingly modern. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the rough textures, created an atmosphere that was at once intimate and expansive, reminiscent of sacred or forgotten places.
Artistic Protrusions: Clementine Keith-Roach and Christopher Page
The most striking and discussed feature of Bar Far was the series of sculptural elements collaboratively created by artists Clementine Keith-Roach and Christopher Page. From the textured walls of the bar, anatomical forms—specifically arms and legs—appeared to protrude, as if emerging from the very fabric of the building. These unsettling yet captivating forms served as powerful visual anchors, blurring the lines between the architectural structure and an almost organic presence. Keith-Roach’s work often engages with classical fragments and the human body, while Page’s interventions frequently respond to the context of a space. Here, their combined efforts created a dialogue between archaeological discovery and a contemporary surrealism, challenging perceptions of permanence, the body in space, and the layers of history embedded within a modern city.
Villa Lontana's Vision: Bridging Eras
Bar Far perfectly encapsulated Villa Lontana's core mission. By creating a temporary installation that actively engaged with Rome's historical essence through a thoroughly contemporary lens, the collective fostered a unique platform for cultural discourse. The bar became a living, breathing exhibition, where the act of socializing intertwined with an appreciation for art and history. The temporary nature of the installation further underscored the transient beauty of artistic expression and the ever-evolving interpretation of the past.
Summary
Bar Far was a testament to the power of collaborative design and artistic vision. Through the combined talents of Studio Strato, Clementine Keith-Roach, and Christopher Page, and under the patronage of Villa Lontana, a temporary space in Rome transcended its function to become a profound statement on history, art, and human presence. The catacomb-inspired interior, punctuated by its memorable sculptural forms, offered an unparalleled experience, reaffirming Rome’s enduring capacity to inspire and provoke through the fusion of ancient and contemporary creativity.
Resources
- Dezeen: A leading architecture and design magazine, frequently covering innovative installations and projects worldwide.
- ArchDaily: An internationally recognized online platform for architecture, offering extensive project details and critical analysis.
- Villa Lontana: The official website of the non-profit art collective, detailing their mission, past exhibitions, and artistic collaborations.
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Chapter 1: Loomings.
Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.
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