The Art of Distruction
Carrara (Italy), is one of the world’s most renowned centers for the extraction, processing, and export of marble. This material has been quarried since Roman times, shaping both the history of art and the everyday life of people across centuries. From Michelangelo’s sculptures to today’s kitchen countertops, Carrara marble carries a special sense of beauty and value. However, behind its beauty lies a complex story. Today, marble extraction has become a subject of social and cultural debate. On one hand, quarrying is deeply tied to the local identity, passed down through generations of workers who have carved these mountains for centuries. On the other hand, the scale and speed of modern extraction, powered by heavy machinery and industrial processes, have turned it into a profound environmental issue. The Apuan Alps, a unique mountain range home to rare ecosystems and endemic species, are increasingly transformed in the pursuit of profit.
