MACHAS

The Art in Motion Museum: transforming Charging Stations into an Open-Air Museum

For ‘The Art in Motion Museum,’ three Machas Artists—Jonathan Calugi, Alberto Casagrande, and Ray Oranges—partnered with Plenitude to reimagine selected electric vehicle charging stations as an open-air art gallery.

Centred around the theme ‘Energy in Motion,’ the project brings together three artists whose work embodies the dynamic and transformative essence of energy. Selected for their ability to translate this concept into compelling visual narratives, each artist explored a specific aspect of the theme, transforming Plenitude’s On the Road charging solutions into installations celebrating movement, creativity, and vitality in everyday spaces.

Jonathan Calugi’s five artworks highlight the value of simplicity, expressed through his signature one-line art style. His fluid, flowing lines capture the joyful freedom and effortless continuity of movement, creating works that resonate with viewers of all ages while celebrating the refinement of simplicity. As Calugi explains, “Eyes, simplicity, and movement. A gaze through the window that shapes new forms, bodies, and colours blending in an exchange of energy. A single line flows through the story, sketching a smile on our faces.”

Ray Oranges explores the importance of connections, drawing inspiration from the essence of the locations where the installations are placed. His five artworks abstract the unique characteristics of Italy’s diverse landscapes—metropolitan cities, artistic towns, seaside settings, mountain retreats, and medieval villages. While each piece stands alone as a representation of its specific setting, the artworks are designed to connect visually when placed together, forming a single, harmonious composition that reflects the intrinsic links between these diverse environments. Describing his vision, Oranges shared, “Shapes and colours intertwine to create a network of relationships and exchange, bringing to life the invisible connections that bind us. An artistic portrayal of energy that harmoniously links people, spaces, and territories.”

Alberto Casagrande examines energy as a source of inspiration, visually interpreting its various forms and their impact on human experience. His five pieces delve into the Energy of the Body, Energy of Passions, Energy of Creativity, Energy of the Mind, and Energy of Nature, portraying energy as a driving force that shapes both our tangible world and inner lives. Reflecting on his approach, Casagrande explained, “The concept of ‘energy’ is difficult to define univocally. Energy can be extremely material and tangible, or abstract and ethereal, and take us far.”

The artworks will be displayed across 13 cities in Italy, spanning the country from north to south. The selected locations were carefully chosen to highlight Italy’s rich cultural diversity, ranging from coastal towns and mountain resorts to vibrant art cities and metropolitan hubs.

‘The Art in Motion Museum’, developed in collaboration with Uniting Group, transforms the everyday act of charging an electric vehicle into a unique artistic experience, making public art accessible to everyone. This initiative not only promotes sustainable electric mobility but also enhances the aesthetic value of the surrounding areas, enriching public spaces with creativity and meaning.

Plenitude’s customers and art enthusiasts alike can scan a QR code at each station or visit (website link) to explore the full collection online. The digital platform offers insights into the concept behind each artwork and provides a closer look at the artists’ creative visions, inviting users to delve deeper into the synergy of energy and art.