Isa Genzken (b. 1948)

"The Della Robbia artist family developed a completely new kind of terracotta glaze in Florence form 1400 to 1480. During my first art trip to Tuscany in 1973, I became acquainted with Italian Renaissance paintings and sculptures. Immersing myself in this world was an incredibly joyful experience. I was also enchanted by the great forms of the different buildings, churches, palaces, etc.
One experience is particularly stamped in my memory. As I was strolling through the streets and alleyways of Florence, I suddenly discovered high up on the facades of buildings gleaming colorful terracotta tiles, which looked as fragile as porcelain. It was the first time that I thought of a social modern form of exterior sculpture. The works had something of anti-depressive chocolate about them. I was so impressed that I thought every form of exterior sculpture should have this quality: anti-depressive.
I found out the name of the artist and his family - Della Robbia, Florence."
Isa Genzken