Paradoxes of Plenty #52

A site-specific commission for a villa on the island of Capri, Paradossi dell’Abbondanza #52 (Paradoxes of Plenty #52) is composed of 153 majolica tiles, made in keeping with the local tradition typical of Capri homes with ceramics decorating the patio outside. The design depicts what is not visible to the naked eye in the seascape in front of the villa, namely illegal fishing, which is estimated to account for over 50 percent of Italy’s seafood landings. From selling undersized fish to not complying with fishing periods for different species, to using prohibited fishing gear to fishing in protected areas, the phenomenon of illegal fishing is extremely widespread as it is so difficult to see with the naked eye and, therefore, control. The composition portrays the exploitative system that also plagues the waters surrounding the island, which can be recognized in silhouettes on the horizon line of the work.