She will transform 15,000 plastic straws into live art following the Opera House’s recent decision to go plastic straw free.

The artwork, which will be created live over the course of a day, will be in the topographic form of Sydney’s beautiful harbour.

Francesca, who studied at Bologna’s Accademia di Belle Arti, said she is “so happy to be creating in the very contemporary city of Sydney”.

 “I hope this is just the beginning of my creative practice here. Australian and Italian artists alike would benefit from a continued exchange,” she added.

The artist’s career has been booming, with recent acclaimed shows held in Bologna, Turin, Naples and Milan, among others.

Despite this, Francesca admits that finding one’s place in the world of Italian art can be decidedly “complicated”.

Italy has an astounding historical artistic practice, which includes the vibrant transavanguardia of the late ‘70s, and the grandiose Renaissance period, which emphasised harmony in form.

Francesca’s work identifies with both these periods.

Central to her practice, however, is an important environmental message.

She is inspired by microscopic patterns and macroscopic forms in nature, and her works are constructed with plastics and industrial materials.

By entwining the artificial and the natural, Francesca hopes to increase awareness about human impact on the natural environment.

She sees her work as a “social vehicle” for change, and looks forward to the human interaction which will occur during construction of the piece.

Sydney Opera House’s Head of Talks & Ideas, Edwina Throsby, is delighted to be welcoming Francesca to the festival.

“Antidote is all about creative ideas which can improve our collective future,” she said.

“Francesca Pasquali’s ethos and practice, with its focus on using common, disposable materials to create beautiful and enduring works of art, brilliantly reflects our generation’s environmental concerns.”

ANTIDOTE2018 attendees and general public can observe Francesca Pasquali create her artwork live from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the Drama Theatre Foyer on Sunday, September 2.

Once complete, the work will be on display for the general public in The Lounge, enabled by Samsung, from September 17 to October 10, 2018.

For more information visit the Sydney Opera House's website.