‘A Rareca Rarechea

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The project

Can a tree still engage with day-to-day citizenry? And how does it affect our gaze looking forward?

Man-nature relationship is the concept underlying ‘A Rareca Rarechea, conceived for Fondazione Morra Greco by artist Antonella Raio in collaboration with the Department of Architecture of the University of Naples “Federico II” and under the coordination of Professor Carla Langella.

The project stemmed from mapping street trees that were spontaneously tended by citizens. The deep, genuine bond linking trees and people has then been made tactile through the installation of bronze rings, worn by the trees.

These rings are made of Scoby Skin™, manufactured by the company Knowledge for Business, and is the result of a fermentation process devoid of chemicals that uses waste from agri-food production. “Made from the very substance of the tree,” the nano-cellulose is an innovative, fully circular, bio-based material.

Scanned using a visual marker via the Arti Vive app, the rings will be able to give back to anyone who lays eyes on the trees the stories of care underlying them, while at the same time providing data on their health status, species and age. The aim is to convey a fundamental message about the need to protect and care for urban greenery, whose role is crucial in tackling climate change.

Many thanks to the tree keepers for sharing their stories and insights with us.

Next events

November 10, 2024 | ‘A Rareca Rarechea walk

11:30am | Vivaio Calvanese, via Foria 234, Naples

A walk with artist Antonella Raio to discover some of the stages of the project ‘A Rareca Rarechea. Walking along Via Foria, participants will come across some of the trees involved in the project, to which the bronze rings of the artistic installation have been applied. The route starts from Antonella Raio’s studio-laboratory at the Vivaio Calvanese and then winds along Via Foria to reach the gardens of Piazza Cavour, at the height of the Mani Tese headquarters, where the last tree of the itinerary is located.

Part of the Open House Napoli 2024 program. Reservation not required. Entrance by order of arrival.

‘A Rareca Rarechea’s journey

October 17, 2024

12pm | 190 Piazza Cavour, Naples | Planting of the ring on the Mediterranean Pine at the Mani tese association

1:30pm | 3 Via Monteoliveto, Naples | Planting of the ring on the Magnolia tree at Palazzo Gravina, DiArc

The network of trees laid out for ‘A Rareca Rarechea, a map of the nurturing relationship between trees and Neapolitan citizens, is expanding. The project, born from research on trees spontaneously cared for by different communities, aims to enhance the sincere bond between people and nature through the installation of bronze rings on the trees themselves. Through a dedicated app, anyone can learn about the stories of tending behind the trees, gaining access to information about their health status, species and age. The project sends a powerful message on the importance of protecting urban greenery, an action rendered crucial by climate change and improving the quality of life in cities.

 

October 18, 2024

3-4pm, 4-5pm | Visit to Fondazione Morra Greco and in-depth meet-up

In conjunction with Open House Naples 2024, Fondazione Morra Greco has offered guided visits to discover the remarkable rooms of Palazzo Caracciolo di Avellino and learn more about one of our key projects, ‘A Rareca Rarechea. As a matter of fact, an itinerary that retraces the highlights of the project has been set up in our Education Department.

Part of the Open House Naples 2024 program.

Find out more at the link: Visit to Fondazione Morra Greco and in-depth look at ‘A Rareca Rarechea

The map of trees:

Social Challenge

If you, too, look after a tree, join our social challenge: take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @arareca_rarechea, perhaps even mentioning a word that best represents how you feel about it.

For other submissions please send an email to info@fondazionemorragreco.com

The network

A project promoted by Fondazione Morra Greco in collaboration with DiArc – Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II

Concept works “’A rareca” and “Guardians 21” by visual artist Antonella Raio with Carla Langella, University of Naples Federico II and Francesca Cocco, Fondazione Morra Greco

Project developed as part of the EDI Global Forum 2023 program, with the support of the Campania Region POC Campania FESR 2014/2020, Strategic Plan for Culture and Cultural Heritage

Design project by students of the courses in “Design for the Community” and “Design for the Built Environment” – University of Naples Federico II, coordinated by Carla Langella: Adriana Grasso, Allegra Casillo, Annamaria De Rosa, Chiara Prisco, Davide Andrea Calabrese, Flavia Padulano, Francesca Maria Pagliaro, Gennaro di Silvestre, Lorena Montella, Fatemeh Bavali

Visual identity
Francesca Maria Pagliaro

Augmented reality
Marcelo Vicente de Silva

Video editing
Flavia Padulano, Lorena Montella

Exhibit design / Experience design
Giovanna Nichilò, Camilla Amato, Clarita Caliendo

With the scholarly contribution of Massimo Perriccioli, University of Naples Federico II; Alfonso Morone, University of Naples Federico II; Stefano Perrotta, University of Naples Federico II; Renato Biganti, University of Naples Federico II

Photographic records by the students of the Master’s Degree in Photography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, professor Mario La Porta

Partners
Hybrid Design Lab
Open House Naples
Mani tese
Pot Need
Università Suor Orsola Benincasa, embodied education research group, director Maria D’Ambrosio
ASL Napoli 1 Centro, Mental Health Department, director Luisa Russo
Distretto Sanitario 24, director Anna Manna
Operational Unit for Child Neuropsychiatry, director Cecilia Cocchiaro
Complex Operational Unit for Mental Health, director Rossana Calvano
Day care center “la Fenice 24,” director Dora Russo