On Thursday 25 July 2024 we inaugurated the event with a painting performance by Simone Zanco and at the same time we involved the public in decorating one of the Heart Boats by asking them to write a calligram inspired by the fourth chakra and apply it to the sculpture.

Previous editions have usually lasted three months, including theoretical and practical workshops, exhibitions, participatory performances and a series of collateral events, all held in specific and in a certain sense protected exhibition spaces.
This year, however, we decided to create the Heart Boats "on the street", in the external part of the Happiness Cafè in via Saffi in Viterbo, in a less controllable context.
We produced a theoretical text, some photos and videos of the preparation phase and involved the shopkeepers of the street who displayed the sculptures created in previous editions in their windows with a descriptive plaque.

The aim of the project is to convey positive messages with creative techniques and procedures that are consistent with the message, so it is important to use colors, words and working methods that harmonize with this objective.

Carrying out such an abbreviated edition, without a preparatory workshop and a dedicated exhibition space, exposed us more to adverse influences but allowed us to evaluate the level of sensitivity, attention and understanding of the project by the participants and the people invited.
The intention has always been to propose an intimate event, of listening and inner reflection for which tranquility and a meditative spirit are essential for the success of work on the heart chakra.

Leaving more space for improvisation and creative freedom, there were inevitably some disturbing elements that in an initial phase were also reflected in the works.
Some participants improvised techniques that were not agreed upon to attract the attention of passers-by, resulting in being not very discreet and distant from the spirit of the Boat of the Heart.
The Love Boat project is not a playful party or a recreational activity and it is not necessary to attract attention to involve people in participating because they themselves are naturally attracted.

Some artists have suddenly intervened with signs and phrases on the sculpture reserved for visitors creating a dissonance with respect to the principles of balance and positivity that the sculpture wants to be a vehicle for.
Words such as “opposites” or “death” and some colors are not suitable, from a formal point of view, to express the Heart Chakra because this type of energy does not consider death or contrast, but eternity and harmony.

Overall, even if we had some obstacles initially, the experience was very well received and gave excellent results also from a relational point of view, despite the “lightning” nature of the experiment and the disturbing elements, this year there was an increase in interest and participation from the community that demonstrated a sincere desire for well-being, deep and authentic.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Angelo Rossi 2024