Giò Pomodoro:The island of iron and granite

Giò Pomodoro (1930-2002), the famous sculptor of abstract art of the twentieth century, visited the Island of Elba in the summer of 1996 and was very impressed by the scenery. He was so struck by the old iron mines and majestic granite rocks on the island that Pomodoro created several monumental sculptures both in granite and in iron with the aim of celebrating the true essence of Elba.

Through working in the granite quarry in San Piero, this artist created works like "The Giant Seat," a granite monolith in the tiny Calello square in Pomonte; Dionisio, the obelisk in granite and iron " in Castagneto square in Poggio, and also "Okeanos",that is in San Niccolò square also in Poggio. This fountain has a rough, granite crown at the top - the correct geological term is "trovante"- that is exactly the opposite of the detailed definition of the base. The fountain consists of a round canal with a continuous flow of water all around, just like the majestic Ocean or earthly kòsmos.

All these pieces of sculpture embody the intense relationship between the artist and the surrounding territory and reflect the antique and mineral soul of the island.

The Lions Club of the Island of Elba, in collaboration with the Municipality of Marciana, has created a circuit of posters that celebrates the works of Giò Pomodoro, providing tourists with a guideto all his creations. A chance not to be missed if you wish to discover the island seen through the eyes of a great master of art.