esterni's journey is fascinating, and it symbolically goes back to a tollhouse. Milan. On an April's night a long time ago. Piazza Sempione became the impressive setting for an unusual swap: a drawing for a portion of rice and a glass of wine. As those quick and rough pen strokes were being sketched on paper napkins, the first ideas conceived until then began to take shape.
The journey continued through piazza della Borsa, where thousands of people in white overalls with unusual sounds in the background occupied a place that - despite its central location in the untiring city of Milan - turns bleak and silent every night.
Time after time, like a sphere rolling down an inclined plane, the journey speeded up. Unable to stop.
Lively installations invaded piazza Duca d'Aosta, an evening market replaced the historical street market in viale Papiniano, visitors and works of art created for the city by 50 young artists were hosted for three days at the tollhouse in piazza XXIV Maggio, some kitchen gardens in Milan became the frame for an unusual night in the suburbs. Instead of intruding into the surroundings, various building sites were revived and reconciled with the citizens through concerts, message boards, plants and versatile benches. A 'city in revolution' appeared in piazza Freud, together with its participated city council, kitchen garden, temple and child-size square. For one night, tunnels usually congested with cars coated with a yellowish light the faces and clothes of the people gathered on a musical background. Largo Greppi, the moat of the Castello Sforzesco and the Arena livened up through music, videos and the people of Milano Film Festival.
Disused factories, former pressing houses, ateliers were converted into temporary accommodation facilities during big city events. With the passing of time Milan turned out to be too small, and other cities like Padua, Rome, Bologna and Florence became the new destinations to be explored and discovered: suddenly they were scattered with images, hammocks, sounds and, last but not least, with people.
There is just a subtle difference between the mere scenographic role of squares, streets, bridges and building facades and their real significance within this journey. Subtle, but crucial.
This journey does have a political meaning. Because it is a journey through the polis, its citizens and their relationships.
It's an intense journey we are talking about.
It's a journey esterni doesn't want to continue alone.