May 8–20, 2017
University of Genoa
Savona Campus
Via Magliotto
217100 Savona
Ceramics Museum
Palazzo Gavotti
Piazza Chabrol 1
Savona
Be Sm/ART is a project combining contemporary art and advanced technological innovation. It is conceived and curated by Radicate, an independent non-profit organization located in the Savona Campus (University of Genoa, Italy).
For the second edition of this project, realized with the support of Compagnia di San Paolo, as part of the open-call ORA!, and of the A. De Mari Foundation, Radicate invited interdisciplinary designer Francesca Perona to take up a residency in Savona on the Ligurian Riviera, Italy.
During the residency, Perona was asked to develop an artwork combining the long-standing tradition of ceramics in the local area of Savona, the Smart Cities research into self sufficient energy developed by the engineers of the Savona University Campus, and the AARM Digifab TURINg project at FabLab Turin.
Starting from investigating the research in environmental sustainability developed by the engineers, who have created a smart microgrid able to efficiently exploit renewable natural resources produced on-site, Perona has analysed the annual energetic consumption data trends to better understand the relationship between use of renewable and non-renewable sources on Campus.
In line with these findings, Perona’s collaboration with local ceramicist Marco Tortarolo was aimed at exploring, re-evaluating and using raw materials (clay) from the local territory, as opposed to more widespread industrial alternatives. The ceramic artefact crafted during the residency, titled Ceramics for the Anthropocene, can thus be read as a “geo-marker” retaining and celebrating the geological, biological and mineralogical-chemical characteristics of the local territory.
The designer deployed digital technology and the robotic arm developed by AARM at Turin’s FabLab to translate the smart microgrid energy data into printed ceramic form, mapping the relationship between the different energetic sources with a variety of local and industrial clays.
Ceramics for the Anthropocene unpicks through a poignant material language the delicate relationship between exploitation of natural resources and environmental responsibility.
The project feeds into contemporary material thinking, influenced by the Anthropocene, a debated concept establishing man as geological force shaping the surrounding environment through industrial activities.
It aims to stimulate a fruitful dialogue between local tradition and advanced material innovation, in search for more sustainable, conscious and embedded approaches to natural resources.
Francesca Perona (1986, Italy) works and lives in London. Her research-based approach aims to integrate materials science, scientific processes and digital fabrication techniques for craft innovation.
About the final event at the University Campus and at the Ceramics Museum
On completion of the residency, a public presentation (free entrance) will take place on Monday, May 8, 11am at the library of the Savona Campus of the University of Genoa (Italy) and at 2:30pm at the Ceramics Museum in Savona.
All professionals involved in the project will be attending the presentation: Tiziana Casapietra (Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Radicate, Savona), Cecilia Chilosi (Museum of Ceramics, Savona), Andrea Graziano (FabLab, Turin), Francesca Perona (designer), Renato Procopio (Engineer and Professor, Campus of the University of Savona), Marco Tortarolo (Ceramicist, Albisola).
The event will be followed by light refreshments and a shuttle service to the Museum of Ceramics, for a preview of the artwork Ceramics for the Anthropocene on view from Wednesday, May 10 to Saturday, May 20, 2017, at the Museum of Ceramics, Palazzo Gavotti, Savona.
About Radicate
Radicate is a non-profit organization, located in the Savona Campus (University of Genoa, Italy). Radicate analyses the major shifts that are occurring globally through a contemporary art lens. The analysis is developed through on-going conversations with prominent figures in the field of artistic research. These conversations are realized with the use of new global, communication tools and made public on the on-line platform. The results of our analysis manifest in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary projects, such as Be Sm/ART 2, which aims to encourage greater synergy among the cultural specialisms of the Savona area by using contemporary technological innovation.
To keep up to date with Radicate’s activities, you may like to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our last conversations.
For further information, interviews and visual materials, please contact Giulia Macchiarella (T +39 3409363059, giulia.macchiarella [at] radicate.eu)
