The Ba rock is located in the Porta Palazzo neighborhood, one of the oldest and most vibrant areas of Turin. The mural covers the entire wall of a building, and it stretches for almost 100 meters. The artwork was created by chef Massimo Bottura, who is also the owner of Osteria Francescana, one of the best restaurants in the world.
Bottura, who is originally from Modena, Italy, has always been interested in art and culture. He began his culinary career in the early 1990s, and he soon became known for his inventive and creative cuisine. But Bottura’s creativity didn’t end in the kitchen. In 2015, he was invited to participate in the Expo Milano, a world’s fair that focused on food and sustainability. Bottura decided to create an artwork that would reflect the theme of the expo, and that’s how the idea for the Ba rock was born.
Bottura teamed up with a group of artists and designers, and together they started working on the mural. The project took almost a year to complete, and it was a true collaboration between the chef and the local community. Bottura and his team spent months talking to the residents of Porta Palazzo, learning about their daily lives, their struggles, and their dreams. They also interviewed local merchants, farmers, and artisans, who shared their knowledge and experiences with the team.
The Ba rock is not just a mural, but a work of social art. It celebrates the diversity and richness of Turin’s culture, paying tribute to the neighborhood’s past and present. The mural features a variety of scenes, from a farmer tending his crops to a group of children playing in the streets. There are also portraits of locals, including a young woman who sells vegetables at the local market and an elderly man who repairs shoes.
But what makes the Ba rock truly unique is its message of hope and resilience. The mural was created at a time when Italy was going through a period of economic and social turmoil. The country was facing high unemployment rates, a refugee crisis, and a growing sense of despair among its citizens. Bottura wanted the Ba rock to be a symbol of hope, a reminder that even in difficult times, there is beauty and humanity to be found.
The Ba rock has since become a landmark of Turin, attracting visitors from all over the world. The mural has also inspired other artists and chefs to create similar of art, using food and culture as a way to bring people together and celebrate diversity.
In the end, the Ba rock is more than just a painted wall. It’s a testament to the power of art and creativity, and a reminder that we can all make a difference in our communities, no matter who we are or what we do. As Bottura himself puts it, “The Ba rock is an expression of the love, life, and color of this city. It’s a celebration of the people and the place that make Turin so special.”