Ragnar Kjartansson: The Sky in a Room

Continuing the Fondazione Nicola Trussardi’s series of presentations with the artist Ragnar Kjartansson, the latest installation will take the form of a performance held inside of Milan’s Church of San Carlo al Lazzaretto. Entitled “The Sky in a Room,” the work was conceived in consideration of the effects of the recent pandemic on the Italian people and named for the longing one might feel for the sky after extended periods of isolation indoors. Acting as a sort of contemporary monument, the work takes the form of a choral performance held inside the church, which holds particular relevance due to its connection with past epidemics—like the plague in the 1500s. Every day for the duration of the work, a lineup of singers will take turns joining in an arrangement of Gino Paoli’s Il cielo in una stanza. Chosen by Kjartansson for its ability to transform a space, the chorus will continue for six hours every day, accompanied by the church’s organ, like a never-ending lullaby.