Mariella Bettineschi: Carro Celeste

The sculpture Carro Celeste (”Heavenly carriage”) by Italian artist Mariella Bettineschi is connected to traditions of Pop art and Constructivism. The cobalt blue carriage creates a surrealistic illusion of a moving vehicle, rolling down the hill. In reality, this sculpture with wheels is firmly attached to the ground with invisible support structures.

Bettineschi wanted to link her sculpture to Finnish culture and Northern mythology. The constellation Otava (Big Bear), important in Finno-Ugric mythology, is called “Carro Celeste” (Heavenly carriage) in Italian. The blue colour of the sculpture also represents the bright blue of Finland’s lakes and summer sky.

The City of Turku acquired the sculpture as part of the Pro Cultura Foundation’s environmental art project.

Carro Celeste in its original site on Itsenäisyydenaukio near the city theatre and the art museum WAM.