“Vietato non toccare” is on a notice publicising a small exhibition of the work of sculptor, Felice Tagliaferri at the Malatestiana Library in Cesena, Italy.
‘It is forbidden NOT to touch’ is an unusual sign to attach to art works. Normally security personnel are close at hand to prevent any curious hands from exploring objects. Tagliaferri’s pieces are different because even he has never seen them.
He has been blind since the age of 14 and so for all his work, mainly in marble, he depends entirely on his hands to know what they look like.
He is present to enthusiastically explain his work to visitors. “Do you want to see the work the way I see it?” he asks. Yes, I reply. Should I close my eyes?, I wonder, but he says this isn’t necessary. It’s enough that you get the tactile experience. Continue reading
