Unveiling Bar Far: An Expedition into the Unconventional
The Genesis of an Eccentric Roman Establishment
Architecture practice Studio Strato joined forces with visual artists Clementine Keith-Roach and Christopher Page to conceptualize and construct Bar Far, a distinctively unconventional pop-up drinking venue situated in the heart of Rome. This project was initiated by Villa Lontana, a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the intersections of historical and modern creative practices.
Transforming Space: From Exhibition Hall to Catacomb-like Corridors
The exhibition area of Villa Lontana in Trastevere underwent a significant metamorphosis, orchestrated by Studio Strato, to become the temporary, site-specific Bar Far. The space is distinguished by its deep, cave-like corridors, meticulously crafted with plaster-covered arches, evoking a sense of ancient catacombs.
Artistic Inspirations: Echoes of Ancient and Baroque Rome
British sculptor Keith-Roach and British painter Page drew inspiration from the rich heritage of "ancient and baroque Rome" for the interior's ornamentation. Keith-Roach's distinctive plaster reliefs, shaped like human body parts, reinterpret traditional sculptural forms with an unsettlingly familiar touch.
A Realm of Contradictions: Heaven, Hell, and Prophecy
Villa Lontana described the resulting ambiance as an environment that simultaneously feels like a sacred space and a burial ground, a vision of the future and a relic of the past, embodying both heavenly delight and infernal mystery.
Anatomy of Illusion: Sculptural Elements and Neon Glow
A radiant neon sign adorns the exterior, beckoning guests into a expansive hallway. This entrance is characterized by an array of plaster legs, arms, and hands, notably including two palms cradling candelabra reminiscent of ecclesiastical artifacts.
Functional Art: Sculptures as Table Supports
Realistic sculptures of the lower human body, complete with legs, serve as foundations for small tabletops, which are securely fastened to the wall adjacent to the minimalist plaster bar, blurring the lines between decorative art and utilitarian design.
The Enigmatic Circular Portal: A Fusion of Art and Architecture
On the wall directly facing the bar, Keith-Roach and Page collaborated to forge a circular portal from plaster and wood. This captivating feature showcases an abstract, sunset-themed painting at its core, encircled by intertwined plaster arms draped with chains and a solitary breast, creating a powerful and provocative focal point.
Material Alchemy: Bringing the Interior to Life
The artists employed a diverse palette of materials throughout the venue, including cement binder, stucco, silicon glue, and scrim, each contributing to the vibrant and tactile quality of the interior design.
Page's Mural: A Journey to Another Dimension
The rear section of Bar Far is dominated by a floor-to-ceiling trompe l'oeil mural by Page. Towering archways, painted in the same reddish-orange hues as the portal, are masterfully designed to give the illusion of leading into an alternate reality.
The Illusion of Infinity: Warping Perceptions
Villa Lontana highlighted the mural's remarkable depth from certain vantage points, noting how it "warps and distorts" as observers navigate the space. This optical effect transforms the final room into an illusory colonnade or cloister, yet one that gazes upon a "ominous infinity" rather than a serene landscape, captivating visitors with an ambiguous, otherworldly luminescence.
A Fleeting Vision: Bar Far's Limited Engagement
Bar Far will remain open to the public until the 14th of March, offering a transient yet memorable artistic and social experience. Located on the west bank of the Tiber River, Rome's Trastevere district is celebrated for its thriving creative community, having previously seen local firms like StudioTamat renovate a 19th-century house with striking glass floors and mirrored ceilings. Studio Strato, established in 2007, boasts a portfolio that includes projects like the "Pointing House," a one-bedroom apartment reimagined to feature a cozy reading nook.