Jean-Michel Folon (1934, Uccle – 2005, Monaco)
In 2001 Giuliano Gori invited Jean-Michel Folon to Celle after some preliminary meetings withthe artist at his atelier in Pietrasanta. With a long career centered around themes of lightness, suspension, and flight, Folon quickly found the place to create his new work: the historic aviary located at the entrance to the romantic park. The architectural work was constructed by the poet and patriot Bartolomeo Sestini around 1812, and two plaques outside the structure commemorate the presence of this illustrious man of letters and architect.
To engage with the aviary, Folon proposed creating a bronze tree to be placed in the center of the ancient circle of boxwood trees already present within the structure. The artwork was cast, in several parts that were later composed into a single tree, at the Salvadori Art Foundry in Pistoia. It would serve as a reference to the birds entering and exiting freely through the roof, specially opened in some parts; the artwork thus ceased being a cage and became a refuge for birds. Playfully, the artist decided to place a plaque on the exterior of the aviary with the following inscription:
