UNCOMMON FRUITS
Uncommon Fruits is a project born from the collaboration between the extended Robida collective (Topolò, Benečija, IT) and Zavod Cepika (Kojsko, Goriška Brda, SI) that investigates two different landscapes through the lens of fruit trees – one, Goriška Brda, characterised by an almost-monoculture of vine and the other, the one surrounding Topolò, by abandonment – and the past, present and future relation humans have with it. Within the project Uncommon Fruits, fruit trees and orchards are the lenses through which these landscapes are observed and reimagined. Uncommon Fruits collects memories and knowledges around fruit trees culture, explores gardening as a technique that potentiates the whole landscape, and promotes through various actions a more intimate relation between humans, trees, orchards and landscapes. By re-imaging routines and rituals around fruit tree culture, we explore gestures of a returning practice that continues to be carried on. Following the seasons, the landscape, the bees, the hands, the basket, the kitchen table, the drying rack and the tart, we carry out an embodied research surrounding fruit tree culture and its cyclical movements. Crafting routes for uncommon fruits within daily routines and seasonal return.
The main objectives of the project were:
- The development of artistic and food design research related to the fruit culture of the Natisone Valleys and Goriška Brda, in collaboration with experts, artists and designers;
- The creation of a small orchard in Topolò and a welcoming pavilion for visitors in Kojsko;
- Hosting artists in residence;
- The publication of a research book on orchards, fruit trees and fruit, with contributions in several languages and from international contributors;
- The organisation of workshops on fruit processing, fruit tree grafting and crafts.
As part of the project, a new web platform for the Uncommon Fruits project was developed, designed and created by Companion Platform designers, and containing all the documentation produced throughout the project.
A 416-page multilingual publication was also produced on the themes explored by the project, featuring contributions collected through open calls from all over the world.
Several practical workshops open to the public and walks were organised, and the entire process was documented through videos and photographs throughout the duration of the project.
In addition, the Robida team produced radio episodes about the project throughout its duration, which were broadcast on their web radio, Radio Robida, and on Radio Trst A.
Finally, a wooden pavilion was built to welcome visitors to the Pod Skalco orchard in Kojsko, including a small botanical library.
LINKs
LINK to the project's website: Uncommon Fruits
LINK to the publications produces: Uncommon Fruits
LINK to the vimeo account with videos from the project: Robida
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