La Nascita Milano Centrale Railway Station
Renowned French artist JR has once again captivated audiences with his latest monumental sculptural anamorphosis, “La Nascita“, unveiled at Milano Centrale Railway Station as part of Milan’s prestigious Design Week. Invited by the station itself, JR transformed the iconic facade of Milano Centrale and Piazza Duca d’Aosta into a breathtaking rocky landscape, blurring the boundaries of time and space to fashion a surreal architectural fantasy.
The inspiration for “La Nascita” stems from the historical significance of Milano Centrale Railway Station, which traces back to the early 20th century with the opening of the Simplon Tunnel. This engineering marvel marked a pivotal moment in Milan’s history, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in train travel. JR pays homage to this history by superimposing the chiseled facade of a hollowed mountain onto the station, evoking the monumental efforts involved in the construction of the Simplon passage.
True to his signature style, JR’s installation seamlessly integrates with the diverse architectural influences present in Milano Centrale, including classical Roman, eclectic, rationalist, art nouveau, and art deco elements. Through “La Nascita,” viewers are invited to contemplate the layers of history embedded within the station, from its celebrated achievements to its somber moments.
JR departed from his conventional medium of paper and glue, opting instead to print directly onto aluminum slats that were assembled into panels. These panels were then hung on scaffolding in front of the station’s facade, with some affixed to smaller structures on the ground. In line with JR’s commitment to sustainability, all materials used in the project will either be repurposed for future endeavors or recycled, minimizing environmental impact.
“La Nascita” offers a profound meditation on humanity’s enduring spirit of exploration, exchange, and migration, inviting travelers and art enthusiasts alike to embark on a visual journey through time and space at Milano Centrale Railway Station.
