WELCOME DIFFERENCE, installation in Piazza San Michele by thesignlab, Domenico Raimondi

Description of project by Domenico Raimondi

WELCOME DIFFERENCE

In Lucca, Christmas makes us reflect. The installation of Domenico Raimondi in Piazza San Michele is a contemporary nativity entirely covered with mirrors

For the fifth consecutive year the association “Andare oltre si può” (Going beyond it’s possibile) illuminate the Christmas of the city of Lucca with lights and colors, inviting the citizens, and the tourists who will visit the city, to a moment of reflection.

Inaugurated on November 24, Welcome Difference, a large crib completely covered with mirrors with a modern and essential design, has officially taken life by illuminating the central Piazza San Michele.

A modern version of the traditional nativity able, in the daylight hours, to blend in with the external environment, annihilating in the reflection of the historic Piazza San Michele. With the decline of the evening the feeling is reversed thanks to the large luminous shapes that shine on the square announcing the arrival of Christmas.

The structure with a contemporary, minimal and essential design communicates with the surrounding space capturing the history of the square and giving a message of hope.

The installation of Domenico Raimondi that immediately aroused the curiosity of passers-by, offering them new and optic reflective perspectives for the many photographs published on social media. Every visitor is invited to reflect on the Christmas party, amplifying the comparison in an extreme way with himself and the city. These are the words that visitors will find in the vicinity of the installation:

“Diversity and differences are not hidden but present themselves, they go side by side, they show themselves and they challenge us: welcome the Child is to savor the tenderness of the humble, infinite and universal love. Look at the Nativity to look at ourselves. Look at the Nativity in order not to run away from those who walk side by side. Diversity and differences are not elements to be tolerated but assets to be protected. They are the wealth to be safeguarded to overcome prejudices and fears. Going beyond can be done. Listening, dialogue, sharing, amplify the comparison in an extreme way in search of a responsibility that does not require reciprocity. We are all different, and there is nothing more beautiful. It is humanity, it is life.”

To light the lights of Welcome Difference were Domenico Raimondi, president of “Andare oltre si può” (Going beyond it’s possibile), the mayor Alessandro Tambellini and the Archbishop of Lucca monsignor Italo Castellani.

"It is a magical nativity scene in which everyone can be reflected in the Nativity family - explained Domenico Raimondi, creator and designer of the work -. Visitors can reflect, reflect, look inside but above all see who stands next. With Welcome Difference, the differences are presented, flanked, shown and invited to reflect on the theme of Christmas. We firmly believe that we must not be afraid of differences and differences, especially in this period ".

"The Welcome Difference installation is a brilliant idea in the meaning it carries with it - comments Monsignor Italo Castellani -. In the Nativity we see the face of the neighbor, the richness of differences. An initiative that will do very well, a magical installation that reflects the beauty of our city. An important message that makes us think and reflect and gives a deep meaning to Christmas."

"Going beyond can - the words of the mayor Alessandro Tambellini -. We must go beyond our selfishness and our barriers. Break down the mental corners that do not allow us to see the beauty of the world in its plurality. It is an invitation to go beyond prejudices and selfishness. Humanity is beautiful in its plurality ".

The association “Andare oltre si può” (Going beyond it’s possibile) born in 2012 in Lucca is engaged in the social in a completely innovative way: through art and the promotion of projects and cultural events deals with issues and problems related to diversity and differences, with a particular study on people with Down Syndrome.

By visiting the site Go Beyond you can, you can always be updated on the many initiatives of the solidarity group, follow the blog and read the latest news, as well as on the Facebook page and Instagram, where you will always be kept up to date on events and where you can learn about children great protagonists of this extraordinary group that has made solidarity and art the perfect combination.