Zeno, una cultura autosufficiente [Zeno, a self-sufficient culture] (1972-1980)

Part of:

People:

Alessandro Poli (archive creator)
Alessandro Poli (architect)

Title:

Zeno, una cultura autosufficiente [Zeno, a self-sufficient culture] (1972-1980)

Date:

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.

Reference number:

AP148.S1.1972.PR01

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