1986 – terracotta, water
The artist chose the left tower of the fattoria where two flights of stairs lead to a rectangular opening, which once served as a grain chute. In this marginal space, Mainolfi chose natural terracotta to make a biomorphic form which rises five meters from the bottom of the well. The work seems to be a living column, whose surface is covered with markings resembling those on the skin of a reptile. The animal has antennae, a gaping mouth, and a menacing appearance as it stretches upward in an attempt to escape. On the side walls a number of small organic terracotta forms, like small aquatic animals, follow the “serpent” with the same goal of evasion.
