Artists

This artwork explores the symbolism of Saint Lucy's eyes through a metamorphosis expressed in three neon sculptures. The first sculpture depicts the plate the saint traditionally holds with her eyes resting on it. This reference is drawn from a 1570 work by a sculptor for the Milan Cathedral, where the plate resembles a mask. The first neon sculpture in The Metamorphosis of Saint Lucy, standing upright, is a double-sided neon in three colors: the face outline in white, eyelids in pink, and pupils in blue. Measuring 185 cm high and 150 cm wide, it represents the first phase of transformation. The second sculpture references a scene from the Griffoni Polyptych (1472) by Francesco del Cossa and Ercole de Roberti, in which Saint Lucy holds her eyes transformed into budding flowers emerging from a stem. At 175 cm in height and 160 cm wide, this central totemic piece signifies the true metamorphosis. The third sculpture features a line from a popular prayer to Saint Lucy, “Preserve the light of my eyes,” serving as both invocation and reminder.

Artist

The Metamorphosis of Saint Lucy

Luca Schieppati and Mutti Marmi

According to a study published in the journal Global Change Biology, only 48% of the world's surface in 2020 was classified as an area with low human impact. This means that over half of the Earth's surface is affected by human activity. "Unfold the Earth, Unfold Your Heart" serves as a poignant reminder of how much we have eroded the planet and highlights the parts of the world that remain untouched by human activities—areas we must nurture and protect.
The message is clear: we need to halt urban sprawl, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and restore forests. We must reverse the trend to free the Earth from pollution and allow it to breathe once more. If the planet breathes, we all breathe.
Unfold the earth, unfold your heart is represented by a sphere made of reinforced concrete and recycled marble, with a diameter of 170 cm. The reinforced concrete symbolizes the "dark" side of the Earth—unnatural, marked by urbanization and pollution caused by irresponsible human activity. This is the part of the planet that needs recovery.
Visually, the concrete section feels jarring and unpleasant, evoking in the observer a desire to break this outer shell to reveal the mosaic of smooth, colorful, and harmonious marble beneath. This act symbolizes rediscovering the beauty and purity of the unspoiled environment.

Designer

Realizers

UNFOLD THE EARTH, UNFOLD YOUR HEART

Researcher and Designer

Six luminous columns of warm light reinterpret the architecture of the facade’s two propylaea in a minimalistic style. By repeating a common architectural motif, the installation opens a historical dialogue between the two structures. A golden QR code on the illuminated hotel facade invites visitors to access a tale about its history.

The light installation enhances the exterior facade with vertical strings of warm white lights placed between the windows, creating an orderly and harmonious effect. These carefully selected warm tones emphasize the facade’s elegance without being excessive or intrusive. The aim is to offer a simple yet evocative visual experience in harmony with the festive season.

The light design acts as a temporal gateway, offering a glimpse into a piece of the city’s history. The luminous design, paired with a QR code, provides access to both a historical and imaginative narrative. The hotel’s history and the emblematic golden hatserve as central elements of the story.

Situ Eventi

Falling Lights

Lucia Nusiner

The Christmas Forest is a space designed for families and children eager to meet Santa Claus. This area, dedicated to younger visitors, symbolizes tradition, joy, magic, hope, anticipation, enchanting lights, and nostalgic childhood memories cherished even by adults. Visitors walk on natural wood chips, creating a forest-like aroma and enhancing the immersive experience. The path is surrounded by tall grasses, and Santa’s cottage nestles in a grove of birch and fir trees, adorned with luminous reindeer figures crafted by Soqquadro’s designers.

Other magical elements include oversized spheres, large mushrooms, and intricately woven willow sculptures by Davide Gotti, alongside a towering red-and-gold Christmas tree sponsored by ATB. Encircled by a fence, the forest is depicted as an enchanting green haven—a magical space distinct from the outside world. It transforms Piazza Vittorio Veneto into a dreamlike forest, a fantastical setting that invites children to let their imagination roam. The Christmas Forest redefines the city’s everyday heart, making it a destination for wonder and fantasy.

Bosco di Natale

Designer and artist

This installation comprises three large sculptures with organic shapes in dialogue: luminous bodies with informal painting strokes.
The artwork is interactive, inviting visitors to touch and step inside it. The large modules—intersecting like futuristic skyscrapers—are inspired by the modern forms of Nordic design, yet detached from the ever-evolving dynamics of society. The result is an abstract forest of light, a symbolic space where events occur cyclically and consistently. It beckons the audience to immerse themselves in mystical landscapes and meditative spaces where time feels suspended, and matter becomes a vehicle for profound emotions.
In conceiving this piece, Massimo Castagna and Manuel Bonfanti achieved full synergy with Zenucchi Design Code's design thinking, emphasizing the experience of living the design. The inner light that visitors "ignite" within themselves as they enter the artwork, along with the light emanating from the sculpture itself, is seen as a transformative energy for shapes and symbols of Christmas. The evolving aesthetics of the piece—painted live during the event through various performances by artist Manuel Bonfanti—convey a positive message for Christmas. The novel form and light of In The Middle Of Now-Where, Metamorphosis engage in dialogue with a historic location in the city center, relating to both the Donizetti Theater and the surrounding vegetation.
Main Partners: Italian Floor Design, Barrisol.
Special Thanks: Dun-Que, Alghisi Stefano Impianti Elettrici, Carrara Matteo.

IN THE MIDDLE OF NOW-WHERE, METAMORPHOSIS

The ANIMORUM installation, meaning “of souls,” explores the theme of metamorphosis through seven sculptures that intertwine profound messages and reflections on life, identity, and human relationships. Each piece, with its unique title and form, contributes to a collective narrative emphasizing transformation and the bonds between souls. The works aim to inspire introspective reflections on the complexity of human relationships and the inevitable transformations we experience throughout our journey.

The Animorum installation highlights the connection and interconnection between living beings and the planet, emphasizing the importance of mutual care, acceptance, and the celebration of diversity. It is not just an exploration of literal metamorphosis but also an invitation to reflect on identity, love, beauty, and the wounds we all carry, underscoring the significance of sharing and mutual understanding in an ever-evolving world.

First Soul (Anima Prima) represents the feminine, depicted as a delicate wandering soul in lace. It symbolizes creation and a new beginning. Threads emanating from her ribcage form the masculine, reversing and transforming the narrative perspective of woman being created from man’s rib. These threads intertwine with a tree trunk, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the planet: life connects us all, a web uniting all souls.

Dancing Soul (Anima Danzante) portrays two dancers moving in harmony, reflecting mutual support and connection between people. This piece invites viewers to rediscover the importance of human touch, peace, compassion, and solidarity. It suggests the beauty of reciprocity and true relationships in a time marked by isolation and primarily virtual interactions. Essence is rediscovered through dance, physical contact, and freedom.

Passionate Soul (Anima Passionata) lies in a sensual pose, embodying attraction and passion. It represents contemplation and the power of love; beauty and desire are intrinsically tied to the inner transformations these emotions can spark.

Wild Soul (Anima Selvaggia), a human figure with animal horns, symbolizes the acceptance of diversity and the beauty of uniqueness. Its metamorphosis represents respect and celebration of being different—and therefore unique—emphasizing the importance of embracing what may seem unlike us but is part of the greater design of life.

Misunderstood Soul (Anima Incompresa) is compelled to hide due to its differences. This piece tells the story of those who feel their uniqueness is a threat or a source of shame.

Wounded Soul (Anima Ferita) represents a strong soul whose scars are an essential part of its existence. This contemporary reinterpretation invites reflection on the need to embrace and share one’s wounds rather than hiding them. Pain, while difficult, is an integral part of the human experience and personal growth. Scars often represent the most beautiful and profound aspects of ourselves.

Earthly Soul (Anima Terrestre) tells of the primordial power of nature, the fusion of nature and living beings. It points to the responsibility of caring for the Earth and all its inhabitants. We are part of an interconnected whole that must be protected and respected.

The Animorum installation stands out for its sustainable approach, using recycled materials in true Soqquadro style. The artists incorporated repurposed materials, natural elements, and unstable structures to convey a sense of movement and change. These materials not only support the artworks but also interact with them, creating a visual and conceptual dialogue that enriches the audience’s experience.

ANIMORUM

The artwork consists of a series of luminous elements arranged next to one another in a circular shape. The group of lights starts out in a monochrome. One single element is white and "rotates" along the circle, leaving a new color in its path. Gradually, this new color replaces the previous one, filling the entire circle. After completing one full rotation, the process continues, transforming the group into a new color, and so on, slowly but steadily. The colors bounce off onto the surrounding trees, symbolically suggesting nature’s renewal. The installation is mirrored in the fountain, amplifying the light’s reflection within the surrounding arboreal amphitheater. The circular form is symbolic of transformation and renewal. In a circle, every point is both a beginning and an end. Everything returns and renews itself in an endless cycle. The installation is in a constant state of dynamic evolution, enhancing the idea of metamorphosis. A continuous evolution of colors as an ongoing cycle of renewal.

FLOWING COLORS

The trees in the square are illuminated by numerous lights, while the facade of the former Courthouse transforms into a massive screen through projection. The transformation of the square is achieved through the strategic use of light in its various forms, turning a natural and ordinary element into something extraordinary. 
During the day, the trees are part of a typical urban space, but at night, the lights transform them into a magical frame. The square becomes an attraction for the energy it exudes. This transformation also serves a functional purpose: the lights improve accessibility and safety, making the space welcoming to visitors in the evening hours.
The reflections of the lights on the different levels of the square, such as sidewalks and surrounding surfaces, add further depth and dimension to the space. The sensation of metamorphosis unfolds on multiple levels as day turns into evening: music begins to play, the imposing façade of the building becomes a massive screen, the trees light up, and the entire square takes on a new identity. This transition evokes growth and change, transforming the square and its elements into symbols of vitality and constant evolution. The pulsing or twinkling lights suggest a vital breath, an energy that animates the square and transforms its static perception into a living experience. The metamorphosis is also emotional: observers may feel transported to a fantastic environment where daily reality is suspended, and the urban space becomes a theater of dreams and imagination. The lighting installation in this square not only transforms its physical appearance but also induces a shift in the perception and experience of its visitors.

Dancing Lights

The project draws inspiration from the dandelion, symbolizing its natural metamorphosis—from its transformation into a dandelion clock to the delicate dispersal of its seeds by the wind—as an allegory for the metamorphosis of dreams. Dreams, light and numerous like dandelion seeds, represent childhood aspirations that evolve into adult ambitions through time and experience. The spherical seed head of the dandelion is a beloved and familiar symbol. Its metamorphosis begins with the opening of the seeds, depicted in the installation through a generously sized structure featuring a radial arrangement of aluminum tubes; each seed is rendered as a "luminous flower." Warm, intermittent yellow lights give the installation a radiant and embracing appearance. Variations between cool and warm white flashes symbolize the transition and movement of the dandelion’s opening and closing, evoking the delicate nature of its fluffy seeds ready to be carried by the wind. Two silhouettes enhance the installation: an adult watering the flower and a child standing by the dandelion. These figures embody the transformation of human dreams: the carefree aspirations of a child and the cultivated dreams of an adult. The entire composition spans approximately 130 meters along Viale Vittorio Emanuele II. The gradual chromatic shift in the lights, from the warm yellow of the flower to the cool white of the dandelion clock, offers a visual and symbolic journey, narrating the evolution of dreams shaped by experience.

Commissioned by Onlight PF and designed by Nicola Colombo for Christmas Design 2024, the installation is displayed along Viale Vittorio Veneto, spanning 130 meters between the intersections with Via Zelasco Giovanni e Rodolfo and Via Brigata Lupi/Via Carlo Botta.

INTO THE WIND - FLIGHTS AND METAMORPHOSIS OF THE DANDELION 


Riccardo Blumer

During the Christmas season and through the New Year, Piazza Vecchia, a symbol of Bergamo, is illuminated by a special light. At this time of year, the shadow cast by the buildings over the square is at its longest, and sunlight reaches its lowest point, coinciding with the winter solstice (December 21). Thanks to the daily movement of the sun around the Earth, the installation Extasis Solis, created with iron benches designed by Riccardo Blumer with Matteo Borghi and Adrian Freire and produced by Alias in 2008, will mark ten positions between sunlight and shadow from 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM on the days closest to the solstice, every 15 minutes. The benches, positioned sequentially according to the hourly progression, will mark the sunlit angle projected onto the square by the height difference between Palazzo della Ragione and the eastern buildings of the square. The 10 benches, exposed to light alternately on sunny days, form a giant sundial that traces the year’s most extreme sunlight projection on the square. Spectators can enjoy the show either by sitting on the benches or viewing from a vantage point south of the fountain.

EXTASIS SOLIS

Designer and producer

A journey toward what truly matters. This installation leads visitors on a journey of inner and outer transformation, enveloping them in a fusion of music, art, spirituality, literature, and philosophy. These elements, often overlooked in contemporary society because they are "non-monetizable," are re-evaluated here for their authentic significance. Entering the elliptical space, visitors are welcomed into an imaginative atmosphere that stirs deep emotions, fostering a sense of peace, harmony, and contemplation. This space serves as a sanctuary for the soul, where music soothes the senses, delicate scents reconnect us with Mother Nature, and the voices of ancient Teachers and Friends share stories and teachings. Here, visitors can reconnect with their truest selves, away from the background noise of the external world, rediscovering the roots of existence and allowing elevated feelings and noble ideals to flourish.

Continuing along the circular path, visitors first encounter the Tree of Knowledge. This tree, symbolizing inner awareness, represents wisdom and the ability to reflect on what truly matters versus what holds little value. Its branches are laden with symbols and signs that invite meditation, deep understanding, and the discovery of one’s authentic self. Each branch of the Tree of Knowledge embodies a fragment of truth, revealing itself only to those willing to look beyond the surface and explore their own inner depths. Further along, an even more precious tree awaits: the Tree of Life, a symbol of connection with the external world and the interconnectedness between the individual and the universe.

After experiencing an inner transformation, visitors are ready to embrace the Tree of Life, a metaphor for existence and connection with the entirety of life. This tree represents all the benefits of inner metamorphosis, flowing outward and contributing to a virtuous cycle of positive transformation. A better world is possible, for the good of all. The entire installation is created primarily from industrial scrap materials from metalworking, reminding us that even seemingly valueless matter can undergo a positive transformation. The installation offers a sensory and spiritual journey aimed at rediscovering the value of what truly matters, bringing this beneficial metamorphosis back to the external world.

Producer

UNCOUNTABLE

A light box designed to immerse visitors and transport them away from the outside world. Elevated above the square’s pavement, the structure features lights and suspended luminous effects. The floor, made of reflective surfaces, amplifies the visual impact, creating a captivating play of reflections. The transformation is evident in how the otherwise understated and dimly lit square comes to life with the illuminated structure. This installation turns a transient space into a focal point of interest and social gathering. The lights craft a new visual narrative, drawing passersby to explore and interact with the space. This physical transformation also alters the perception of the space, making it more welcoming and dynamic. Visitors experience a metamorphosis as the installation changes not only their view of the location but also their personal perspective. The luminous cube, with its design, seems to transport the square to another dimension, where daily reality is suspended and replaced by an almost ethereal experience.
For those inside the cube, it feels like stepping into a separate environment, offering a filter through which they perceive the surrounding space differently. This transformation suggests a change not only in the physical space but also in the mental state and emotional experience of the visitors. This new stage fosters a deeper connection between people and their environment. The pulsating and shifting light sources invite observers to reflect on the meaning of light as a symbol of change and renewal. The installation provides a moment of pause and contemplation, turning the square into a place of personal and collective discovery.

LIGHT BOX

Christmas Design Kids è la mostra di installazioni realizzate dei bambini delle scuole primarie di Bergamo e provincia che, con le loro classi, hanno partecipato al contest “Designer in Erba” promosso da Promoberg-Fiera di Bergamo; un’opera collettiva con 12 lavori dei ragazzi esposti nella galleria centrale della Fiera di Bergamo in concomitanza con la manifestazione Giochi in fiera. Il contest Designer in Erba ha invitato gli alunni a realizzare delle opere creative usando materiali di uso quotidiano riciclati o reinterpretati per raccontare il tema “Metamorfosi e trasformazioni”. Il progetto mira a favorire la creatività e la didattica.

Christmas Design Kids, iniziativa promossa da Promoberg - Fiera di Bergamo, vede protagonisti i giovani “Designer in erba” che hanno partecipato all’omonimo contest ed è esposta nel padiglione centrale della Fiera di Bergamo, liberamente visitabile visitabile dal 13 al 15 dicembre; dal 21 al 24 dicembre e dal 26 al 29 dicembre in concomitanza con la manifestazione "Designer in Erba". 

CHRISTMAS DESIGN KIDS

Dugongo

Christmas Map, the artwork created for Christmas Design by ATB in collaboration with the creative agency Dugongo, presents a captivating reinterpretation of a bus’ exterior. This bus will travel through the city of Bergamo, bringing the festive spirit of Christmas and transforming the vehicle and the journey into moments of tranquility and reflection. With its custom design, it lets passengers experience the magic of the holiday season onboard ATB vehicles. Messages of sustainability and festive cheer transform this visual journey into an experience of both personal and collective well-being.

The graphics on the bus, turned into a mobile installation, feature symbolic stops along a personal life journey, such as "take your time," "chase your dreams," and "make a wish." On the Christmas Map bus, the resolutions typical of the year's end intertwine with the routes of a futuristic urban transport map, encouraging both a physical journey and an inner one.

The concept stems from the very essence of the public transport company, which connects the city daily, carrying people and fostering movement. The theme of the road intertwines with the idea of a celebratory journey that passengers can embark on aboard a bus, which becomes a bridge between different parts of the Christmas city.

The partnership between ATB and Dugongo is rooted in the desire to create a moving work of art that blends lightheartedness and commitment, captivating the gaze of passersby while crafting an imaginary route linking ATB's developmental goals and the values of the most magical time of the year. Whether boarding the bus or observing it from the stop, passengers can share and implement small steps toward a stronger sense of sustainability and care for themselves and others.

The concept of metamorphosis, which inspired the special livery, is also linked to the desire of Dugongo and ATB to redefine the idea of travel. The company strives to gift the community with a public transport experience that is increasingly sustainable and seamless.

Metamorphosis is a concept deeply tied to ATB, especially at this moment, as the company undertakes a developmental project aiming to offer a smarter and more digital travel experience that meets customer needs while prioritizing the future of our planet.

CHRISTMAS MAP

Christmas Design - Scopri le opere realizzate dai nostri partner in collaborazione con designer e progettisti di alto profilo

Operas - Christmas Design

Discover the works created by our partners in collaboration with high-profile designers and architects

Operas 2024