Gaetano Pesce’s final public artwork, Double Heart, has been permanently installed at Lyrik Back Bay in Boston. The project was conceived before his death in 2024. The 30-foot-tall sculpture marks the late Italian-born artist and designer’s only permanent public installation in the United States.
Double Heart presents a recurring motif in Pesce’s six-decade career: two hearts pierced by an arrow. Gaetano first used this design for a lamp in the 1970s, intended as a universal symbol of care and connection. Commissioned by Boston-based developer Samuels & Associates and curated by the advisory firm Goodman Taft, this sculpture is made from resin, fiberglass, and metal. The work was produced in Viareggio, Italy, under the direction of Pesce’s longtime studio team and the gallery Champ Lacombe.
“This work, conceived for the public space, embodies our father’s ongoing vision: art that speaks to society, challenges conventions, and remains human and joyful,” the artist’s children, Milena and Jacopo Pesce, told Artsy.
Born in La Spezia, Italy, in 1939, Pesce was an architect, designer, and artist who created pioneering design works over his six-decade career. Known for his experimental use of materials and embrace of imperfection, he created furniture and environments that celebrated individuality. His work is held in major collections worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Most of Pesce’s public artworks have been temporary installations. For instance, the artist presented a gigantic version of his “Up” armchair in Milan in 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famous chair. The work was painted a pale pink tone, with arrows sticking out all over the seating area, and titled Maestà Sofferente, a reference to violence against women. Often, his works were intended to have a philosophical message. In the case of Double Heart, Pesce sought to create a lasting symbol of empathy.
“This sculpture has the function of making people think about the relevance, the importance of love, the importance of positive feelings, and of reconnecting with others,” Pesce said in a statement before his death. “I believe that the treasure of the world is diversity. If we are the same, we cannot talk, because there is nothing to say. But if you and I are different, there’s a lot to exchange.”
