Created in 1993 by artist Jean-Paul Philippe, the Site Transitoire sits in the most iconic spot of the Crete Senesi and is composed of three main elements: a chair, a sarcophagus, and a window, all interacting with each other and with nature, reaching a peak of expression during the Summer Solstice. Within "La Bottega," located in the heart of Asciano, the artist has gathered the story of his sculpture and the artistic encounters it has inspired over the years. It is also where he works and welcomes friends and visitors during his Italian stays.
"For a long time, I sought to situate in space three familiar postures – Sitting / Upright / Reclining – then to realize them in stone, allowing them to converse with each other in the solitude and silence of a natural site. Setting these stones on a chosen hilltop in the heart of the Crete Senesi, I realized they outlined in light and space the borders of a house: a dwelling with an invisible threshold. Stone slabs, a chair, a bench, a window, and above them, the celestial vault as a roof. Thanks to the appearances of the moon and sun, the shadow of this stone furniture would walk the ground, narrating, night and day, a still journey. On the summer solstice, the sun's disk sets beyond the hills in alignment with the stone window. Siena's lights come on, and the first star appears in the sky. The Site Transitoire: carved stones rising and setting." —Jean-Paul Philippe
The elements evoke the human figure in seated, reclining, and standing positions. The monumental chair resembles the human pelvis and symbolically invites visitors to sit; a hole in the backrest allows sight through the window. A small mirror at the base catches the last rays of summer sun. The bench, resembling a sarcophagus, bears an engraved biblical phrase: “With the rising sun, with the setting sun.” The monumental window is composed of four elements inscribed with numbers, letters, a crescent moon, and a quote from Shakespeare. Two labyrinths carved on the sides represent the human journey, connecting with one another. A ground slab bears the title of the work and the subtitle "Summer Sunset."
Born in Paris in 1944, Jean-Paul Philippe is a French sculptor known for his independent path. At 16, he attended the Beaux-Arts in Paris without affiliating with any studio. In 1960, he moved to Italy, studying drawing and painting in Florence and gaining access to the Uffizi's Drawings Department. In 1973, he discovered the marble quarries of Carrara and adopted sculpture as his medium. His work, free and personal, is shaped by travel and encounters, with no adherence to groups or schools. Winner of international awards, he has exhibited and created monumental works worldwide.
In the 1980s, the artist visited the Crete Senesi to find a stone for his monumental sculpture "Entre Terre et Ciel Tour Méridienne" in Brussels. During his explorations, he was captivated by the landscape and promised to honor its beauty with a dedicated work. This led to the creation of the "Site Transitoire," a monumental sculpture born from the artist's desire and inspired by the natural surroundings. In 1990, he created a plaster model, "The Bride of the Crete," which features key elements of the final work. This model is now displayed at the Palazzo Corboli Museum, symbolizing the artist's love for the region.
For several years, visitors have been able to explore Jean-Paul Philippe’s workshop in Asciano, at via Amos Cassioli 78. This is where the artist has documented the sculpture's history and the various artistic encounters it has inspired. It is also where he welcomes friends and visitors during his Italian stays.
To visit the workshop or for more information:
Email: association.sitetransitoire@gmail.com