Infiorescenze: artwork born in mental health workshops becomes

Infiorescenze: permanent installation at the entrance of Florence's Mental Health Center

"Infiorescenze" is a collective artwork developed in workshops organized by the social cooperative Brikke Brakke in partnership with mental health services from the Livorno area. The piece has been selected for permanent placement at the entrance of the Mental Health Center and the Society of Health in Florence, symbolizing the connection between care, artistic practice and community engagement.

The project emerged from four workshops led by Riccardo Bargellini, artistic director and head of the visual communication laboratory. Activities took place at the La Tinaia expressive arts center in Florence and involved around a dozen users from the Adult Mental Health Unit.

• Technique: exclusive use of black paint on textured surfaces, focusing on gesture and the expressive mark.
• Process: individual works assembled by collage into a single cohesive composition that preserves different voices and styles.
• Goal: link artistic expression with social inclusion and rehabilitation pathways.

The installation highlights how local services can act as cultural production sites and support the recovery of personal skills. Project leaders note that such initiatives can open training paths and employment opportunities, helping people with mental health conditions to reconnect with work and social life.

The initiative is the result of a collaboration between long-standing contributors to Italy's Outsider Art scene: La Tinaia in Florence and the Blu Cammello center in Livorno. The partnership will continue with joint exhibitions and projects in the coming months, including a graphic show in Livorno, a project at the LibriLiberi space in Florence, and participation in the national Festival of Outsider Art.

Visitor information: the work is permanently installed at the entrance of the Mental Health Center and Society of Health in Florence. Contact the centers directly for information on guided visits, dedicated routes or related activities.