Zeno, una cultura autosufficiente [Zeno, a self-sufficient culture] (1972-1980)
Dates of creation
1972-1980
Level of archival description
Project
Extent and Medium
Approximately 57 artefacts
38 drawings
2 photographs
1 artist book
1 publication
Scope and Content
Project series documents Poli's research and design work on his major project about a peasant farmer named Zeno from Riparbella. This project, entitled "Zeno, una cultura autosufficiente," was presented at the 1978 Venice Biennale with Superstudio as "La Coscienza di Zeno (Zeno's consciousness)". The project also appears to have some overlap with another research project in which Poli and other members of Superstudio were involved: Culture materiale extraurbane. This involved research and the development of a course in the architecture programme at the University of Florence on research into traditional tools and other aspects of rural material culture. The research work on rural culture was published in the magazine Modo (no.7) in March 1978. The Zeno project reflects a major project in Poli's output, with work beginning on it in 1972 and into 1980.
There are numerous narratives at work in this project. There is the narrative of Zeno's relationship to the small house built by his grandfather and in which he was born, and has always lived. Alongside this, is Poli's interest in Zeno's relationship to his tools, his clothes, all the material elements of his life in the only house he has ever known. The fictional narrative that Poli weaves into this project involves an imagined encounter between Zeno and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Poli's fascination with Zeno's material culture extends into a comparison of these two men and their physical interactions with their worlds: both self-sufficient capsules of a kind.
Material in this project includes a large number of drawings and collages depicting different domestic and working spaces and tools in Zeno's life. A number of these drawings feature artefacts, such as cloth pillowcases, metal pieces, and a rope. In addition, the project series includes a number of physical artefacts, such as tools and even Zeno's door. A notable element in this series is an artist book by Poli which features a catalogue or register of elements in Zeno's life, detailing everything about his spaces, his working days, and even the food he eats.
Title: Collage and drawing with a small photograph of Zeno, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1969-1970
Form: drawings, photographs
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Features a small black and white photo and drawing on yellow cardstock.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing
Dimensions:
sheet: 100 × 70 cm (39 3/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Drawing of Zeno's tools, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1969-1970
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing
Dimensions:
sheet: 34 × 42 cm (13 3/8 × 16 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Collage and text on Cultura Materiale valore d'uso (material culture, use value), Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1972
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Features a small black and white photograph.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing
Dimensions:
sheet: 21 × 30 cm (8 1/4 × 11 13/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Collaged research notes on the site of Zeno's home and shed, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1972
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 3
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
3 drawings
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Project description, notes and drawings, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1972-1980
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 7
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Related units of description:
Due to differences in size, material in this file was separated across 2 folders. The continuation of the project description is in file AP148.S1.1972.PR01.005.2 (see folder 148-004-022 T).
Title: Project description, notes and drawings, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1972-1980
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 3
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Related units of description:
Due to differences in size, material in this file was separated across 2 folders. The first part of the project description is in file AP148.S1.1972.PR01.005.1 (see folder 148-002-010 S).
Title: Artist book, I Conti di Zeno, featuring a catalogue (registrare) of Zeno's belongings, home and life, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1972-1974
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 artist book
Conditions governing access:
Book is very fragile and may not be available for consultation.
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Artist book, I Conti di Zeno, featuring a catalogue (registrare) of Zeno's belongings, home and life for Zeno, une cultura autosufficiente [Zeno, a self-sufficient culture]
Title: Drawing of a hook, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1972-1973
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing
Dimensions:
sheet: 15 × 100 cm (5 7/8 × 39 3/8 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Publication, Materiali, featuring an extensive article by Alessandro Poli on material culture and Zeno, his home and his tools, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1979
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 serial
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Issue of "Materiali" magazine featuring an extensive article by Alessandro Poli on material culture and Zeno, his home and his tools (from the project file Zeno, une cultura autosufficiente [Zeno, a self-sufficient culture])
Title: Collages, photographs, and drawings comparing the homes, tools, and clothes of Zeno and Buzz Aldrin, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980?
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 9
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Poli identifies these drawings as being prepared for publication in the magazine Abitare in April 2013. It is unclear whether the material dates from the 1972 or 2013.
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Photograph of Zeno Fiaschi in his kitchen, with annotations, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Form: photographs
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 photograph
Dimensions:
sheet: 30 × 40 cm (11 13/16 × 15 3/4 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Collage drawing, Avvicinamento dei planeti - Zeno incontra Aldrin a Riparbella (Approaching the planets - Zeno meets Aldrin in Riparbella), Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing
Dimensions:
sheet: 100 × 70 cm (39 3/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Drawings of Zeno's bedroom, with cloth pillowcases, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1975-1976
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 2
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Numbered 1 and 2, these collage drawings feature extensive notes on material culture and include a photograph and cotton pillowcases.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
2 drawings
Dimensions:
sheets: 100 × 70 cm (39 3/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Drawing of Zeno's bedroom, with wall hanging, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1972
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Includes a cardboard representation of a sacred image hanging above Zeno's bed.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing
Dimensions:
sheet: 100 × 70 cm (39 3/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Drawing and photograph of a glass bottle tool, with metal wiring, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Form: drawings, photographs
Catalogued items within this file 2
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
The drawing includes typed notes and a piece of metal wire. The large black and white photograph depicts the object in situ at Zeno's house.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing and 1 photograph
Dimensions:
sheet: 100 × 70 cm (39 3/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Related units of description:
A prototype or model of this object is also included in the project series.
Title: Collage drawings of Zeno's tools, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1974-1976
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 5
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Drawings with photographs and substantial notes on Zeno's material culture.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
5 drawings
Dimensions:
sheet: 100 × 70 cm (39 3/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Collage drawing of Zeno's door, with metal fragment, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1975-1976
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing
Dimensions:
sheet: 100 × 70 cm (39 3/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Collage drawing of a filtering tool, with cloth, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing
Dimensions:
sheet: 100 × 70 cm (39 3/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Collage drawing of a hook tool, with cloth rope, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: 1976-1978
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawing
Dimensions:
sheet: 100 × 70 cm (39 3/8 × 27 9/16 in.)
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Hooks, nails, and other tools from Zeno's material culture, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Various metal and wood tool objects.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
Approximately 32 artefacts
Physical Description:
Objects are divided in 2 boxes.
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Wood and metal hook tool, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
A tool in three parts: a piece of wood with plastic and metal, and two smaller wood pieces with metal elements.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
3 artefacts
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Chain and hool tool, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
A tool in two parts: a long metal chain and a wood and metal hook.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
2 artefacts
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Filtering tool, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
A colander type tool with a cloth for filtering.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 artefact
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Candelabro imbuto (funnel candlestick), Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
A candlestick implement, with a metal funnel and cloth.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
3 artefacts
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Stand for dishes and cutlery, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
A type of stand for Zeno's plate and bowl with chains dangling to hold his glass and cutlery. Includes the plate, bowl and glass.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
4 artefacts
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Scatola-forbici (Scissor box with sharpening stone), Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Small metal box with a sharpening stone implement.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
2 artefacts
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Contenitore per liquidi (Container for liquids), Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Large glass bottle with basket and metal wiring, and a metal funnel.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
2 artefacts
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Contenitore (Container with bamboo cane and 2 glass bottles), Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
A long cane handle with a circular metal base in which to place glassware.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
3 artefacts
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Tool for collecting grapes, tomatoes, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
A long cane handle tool.
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 artefact
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Zeno's door, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
A wooden door, with two separate iron pieces.
Quantity / Object type:
2 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
3 artefacts
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli
Title: Collage of Zeno's suit, Zeno, a self-sufficient culture
Dates of creation: ca. 1972-1980
Form: photographs
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Description:
Collage and drawing showing Zeno's suit compared with Buzz Aldrin's astronaut suit (however the collage show a astronaut suit with the label "F. Borman", possibly for Frank Borman, American astronaut and leader of the first American astronauts team to circle the moon).
Quantity / Object type:
1 file(s)
Extent and Medium:
1 drawings
Dimensions:
sheet: 21 x 29.5 cm
Credit line:
Alessandro Poli fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Alessandro Poli/
Gift of Alessandro Poli