Sculpture in Piazza Municipio, Silent Hortense by Plensa in Naples. What is it and its meaning
Piazza Municipio in Naples will host Silent Hortense, a monumental sculpture by the Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, known internationally for his works that reflect on human identity and the universal language of silence. The work will be exhibited outdoors, in the same space that has hosted installations by Michelangelo Pistoletto and Gaetano Pesce in the past. The initiative is part of the exhibition Contemporary Naples 2025, desired by the Municipality of Naples to strengthen the dialogue between art and public spaces in the city.
What is the work Silent Hortense about?
Silent Hortense is a sculpture over seven meters high which depicts a female face with hands crossed over mouth. It is one of Plensa's most emblematic works and is part of a series of works that investigate the theme of the body and silence as a language. The work has already been exhibited in Brazil, at Bienal do Mercosul in Porto Alegre and Oscar Niemeyer Museum of Curitiba, and currently tours the most important international art exhibitions.
Its meaning
The gesture of the hands over the mouth refers to the idea of a conscious silence, not imposed, which invites listening. In a dynamic and noisy city like Naples, Silent Hortense becomes a stimulus to slow down, observe, reflect. The work represents the dignity of quiet in a world increasingly dominated by overexposure and noise. It is also a metaphor for the complexity of communication and the importance of the unspoken word.
When he arrives in Naples and when he leaves
The installation will be visible from the 5 June to the 31 August 2025 in Piazza Municipio, in the space in front of the Maschio AngioinoThe Municipality has allocated approximately 100mila euros for the transport and installation of the work, at the expense of the municipal budget. The management of the project is entrusted to Rachel Pennetta, official of the Culture Area. The work is part of the calendar of Contemporary Naples 2025, edited by Vincent Trione.