Terraformation: Bridging worlds

Terraformation is a project dedicated to constructing a museum in a rural area of Sicily using natural techniques, led by a group of artists and architects from diverse backgrounds who met in Berlin. The project in collaboration with Farm Cultural Park, aims to bridge the gap between rural and urban resources and address current environmental and economic crises.

The museum serves as an example of collective cooperation between individuals and disciplines and stands at the intersection of two global discourses: ecology and the socio-economic marginalization of the Global South.

Berlin's call for affordable housing and sustainable living finds resonance in Sicily, a region known for its rich farming tradition and numerous vacant areas. Young people relocating to other cities for better job opportunities cause brain drain and economic decline, especially in rural areas.

Terraformation is a project that wants to inspire new ways of thinking about our relationship with the environment and each other, creating a model for sustainable, community-driven development.

The exhibition features artworks, ideas, and creative energy from Sandra Chrzanowski, Farm Cultural Park, Andrea Kantos, Vincenzo Fiore Marrese, Vladimir Michel, Andrea Mineo, and Calogero Palacino. You can meet some of them and learn about their contributions at the launch.

Here are some insights from participants who are happy to share their stories.

Farm Cultural Park

We are a community committed to create, transform, and reinvent urban places.

Farm Cultural Park is one of the most influential independent cultural centers of the contemporary cultural world and one of the most lively projects of rethinking and rebirth of dying cities.

Farm Cultural Park’s Website [https://www.farmculturalpark.com/]

Farm Cultural Park’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/farmculturalpark/]

Farm Cultural Park’s Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/farmculturalpark]

Andrea Kantos

Andrea Kantos, Palermo 1977. Trans-medial Artist, “interdependent” curator with many project for Manifesta 12 and 13, BAM biennale Arcipelago Mediterraneo, Italian Council. Founder KaOZ, Co-founder of Dimora OZ, KAD Kalsa Art District e Border Crossing, Spazio Flaccovio.

Andrea Kantos’ Website [http://www.kantos.it]

Andrea Kantos’ Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andreakantos]

Vincenzo Fiore Marrese

I explore the ever-changing rules governing life. Currently, I merge environmental, technological, and social issues with art. My research includes empathy in AI, tech industry minerals, and the societal impact of age.

Vincenzo Fiore Marrese’s Website [https://vfmarrese.com/]

Vincenzo Fiore Marrese’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vfmarrese/]

Vincenzo Fiore Marrese’s Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/vfmarrese]

Vladimir Michel

I research marginalized traditional building and soil management practices. I’m interested into the impact of colonization on grassroots knowledge systems and the way with which capitalist development refashions territories and the links inhabitants weave with them.I'm now building an online archive.

Andrea Mineo

Andrea Mineo’s work explores the dynamics of cooperation and negotiation between individuals, offering a reinterpretation of the way in which resources are produced, redistributed, or reclaimed.

Andrea Mineo’s Web [https://www.mayerpavilion.com/andrea-mineo]

Andrea Mineo’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mineoandrea]

Schedule 

13 August 

18:00 - 21:00

Opening. Drinks and finger foods available

14 August

20:00 - 21:00

Artist Talk: Deep Mapping in Butera

A discussion on the experience of deep mapping the field at Butera through the development of the artwork “Deep Mapping Unstable Habitat” realised during the residency. Includes a question and answer session. The talk begins with the story behind “Deep Mapping Unstable Habitat,” now exhibited at Palazzo Tortorici in Mazzarino. Inspired by a snowstorm encounter where someone drew a map in the snow for me, I explored gestural mapmaking during the residency. My artwork uses a bag of white powder for creating temporary maps in the soil, which can be erased and redrawn. After our outdoor area was burned, I strengthened a discarded paper bag using flour, water, and burnt plants through a secret ritual. The bag now holds ashes from the burned area, symbolizing resilience and transformation.

17 August 

18:00 - 23:00

Finissage