Piazza San Silvestro in Rome fills with natural size shapes that show faces and tell true stories of children, mothers, patients, operators and humanitarian operators in war. This is the “Not a Target” installation, created by the Street Artist Alice Pasquini for doctors without borders (MSf), which will be set up from 28 June to 9 July 2025. The initiative received the patronage of the Municipality of Rome.
The wars are those of today: Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, united by the devastating consequences on the life of civilians. Dramatic stories will appear suddenly, in a space where they should not be: it is the surprise effect wanted by “Not a Target”, it is an invitation to read these stories, feeling close to their protagonists. Seen from afar, the installation takes the shape of a choral embrace, between doctor and patient, between mother and son.
«The installation arises from the urgency of transforming listening into image“, explains Alice Pasquini. «When I knew the stories of doctors without borders up close, I felt the need to give shape to those silent but very powerful gestures that often remain outside the chronicles: a hug, a handshake, a look between those who care and those who are treated. With “Not a Target” I tried to return a fragment of that proximity, of that humanity which resists even in the most extreme contexts. It has moved my desire to make visible what risks getting lost: the human face of the war ».
“Making health facilities insecure, designed to save lives, is an attack on the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and humanity”, declare Chiara Magni, Public Engagement manager of MSF Italia. “With this installation we want to break the wall of indifference and reiterate that in war not everything is lawful: civilians, hospitals and rescuers and rescuers must be protected, not targeted”.
The inauguration will be held on Friday 27 June at 7pmwith the participation of the humanitarian operator Martina Paesani, the artist Alice Pasquini and the actor Andrea Bosca, who will give voice to a reading inspired by the themes of the work. Admission is free and the installation will be visited until July 9th.
(Photo by Alessandro Alesi for International)
