It’s impossible to miss Gaetano Pesce’s Double Heart sculpture when driving into Boston on the Mass Pike. At nearly 30 feet tall in a candy apple red, the sculpture is quite literally a beating heart of Lyrik, pulsating an electric artistic energy through Back Bay’s newest hub.
A project in the works for years, Double Heart was just officially introduced publicly at Lyrik. The art installation marks a milestone collaboration between artist Gaetano Pesce, Boston-based developer Samuels & Associates, and curatorial and advisory firm Goodman Taft. With Pesce’s passing in spring of 2024, this is the final public project conceived during his lifetime, and Pesce’s only permanent installation in America, finding a forever home in Boston:
“This project offered a unique opportunity to both create a dynamic new public gathering space that connects the Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods and anchor it with a piece of art that universally inspires and connects those who love this city,” said Steve Samuels, founder and chairman of Samuels & Associates. “Together with the team at Goodman Taft we sought out a sculptural work by an innovative and distinguished maker that could engage generously with all. Pesce’s Double Heart both achieves that goal and creates a welcoming gateway to the city.”
According to a recent press release, “the artist was closely involved in the planning for the project before his death in the spring of 2024 and was excited for Double Heart to be permanently sited in such an iconic location. Pesce’s Estate and longtime studio team, alongside gallery Champ Lacombe, oversaw the production of the work in Viareggio, Italy by the fabricator Pesce appointed.”
Double Heart features Pesce’s instantly recognizable style and draws inspiration from one of his earlier 1970s works, an illuminated double heart lamp. The sculpture features his signature double hearts pierced by an arrow and like a lamp, illuminates the city when the lights go out.