OOPart

No. 05 Archetype

The term archetype comes from ancient Latin archety̆ pum and indicates a beginning or original principle.
So, in its original meaning, an archetype is a first pattern, a first form, the matrix of a concept, text or icon.All human disciplines and knowledge have their archetype representing the first idea or primary symbol from which thought originates.
Certainly the latter is perhaps closest to the current usage of the term archetype, in fact it is often used to denote, especially in philosophy something, which precedes thought itself, while in psychology it is used to refer to the concept of an innate idea in reference to the human unconscious.
The contexts of use thus may be manifold, but despite this the underlying meaning, whether symbolic or literal, remains the same: the word archetype is used to indicate something that precedes, that is, to define that which is pre-existent to such a reality

No. 04 Memory

What are memories if not man’s desire to be immortal? The past becomes alive continuously with memories, longing for immortality.
The monuments and the commemorative plaques in urban and extra-urban areas and the gravestones in cemeteries are tangible signs of historical memories attempting to perpetuate the identity of the deceased.
In ancient Rome it was customary to bring back memories of decreased family members considered as protective minor household gods or lares, featuring a central role in identity and religious life.
Memories are steady past images that concur in helping us in knowing ourselves, they shape the vision of the world around us we gradually assemble since childhood, and contribute to building self confidence.
Memories are flashbacks of factual events, of locations, of actions, of images and objects. To remember is bringing back to life something or someone that does not exists anymore.
The act of remembering the past is essential both on a personal and on a collective level to make sense of the present.

No. 03 Freedom

Freedom is a feeling that vibrates in the air, it surfs the waves of the sea and resounds among the foliage of the trees.
In the union between heaven and earth, freedom shows its cosmic dimension, but in its impalpable flow, it looks for a pivot as a physical landing place from which to look at the outer reality and enjoy the inner stillness.
This dual nature of freedom affirms itself in the opposites and makes us reflect on it. Thus, in the magnitude, we take refuge in the intimate dimension, and among the innumerable possibilities of choices, true freedom is in the condition of doing without choice.
In the continuous alternation of these opposites, freedom expresses its real nature in words and gestures, in theatre and dance, thus creating social contexts where everyone looks for cultural and emotional identification to sign a sense of belonging because freedom needs to be experienced in the balance and limits of a shared living.

No. 02 Join

Join in the sense of joining together two or more things but also merging
more elements to create new aesthetics and narratives.

The investigated topic of the third issue of Oopart is the association of
different things. The issue explores subtle textures that combine past and
present objects, enhancing the rough mending or precious gold thread that repair ancient ceramics; it investigates serial collections of objects, which reveal narratives out of time and create new conceptual connections.
Human activity has always combined different activities, merging processes in scientific and creative fields aimed to research and discovery. Composing is in human nature and it has been expressed through the centuries with excellent sculputre handicrafts and nowadays with refined infographics and interactive links in the digital world of data visualization. We looked for a common thread, at the same time energy conductor, symbolic and poetic; a constellation of unconventional elements that manifest themselves showing a curious aesthetic in which the viewer is invited to rethink his relationship with the surrounding world.
The metaphor of the thread as a plot refers to the ancestral need to tell and communicate. In our language there are many metaphors presenting the image of the thread: the common thread of a speech, the guiding thread, the thread of fate, the magic thread, the visible and invisible thread… Moreover, the thread, through the art of weaving, constructs the texture of the fabric, of a film or of a book and not only; the thread builds the relationships, the plot of the world and so the becoming of life.

No. 01 Neolithic Revolution

The evolution of Homo sapiens has brought irreversible changes upon ecosystems.
First the taming of fire, a turning point of human evolution, allowing to ward off predators and to cook food.

A more significant change was brought by the Neolithic Revolution around 8,000 B.C. marked by the transition from a nomadic to a sedentary lifestyle. Upon realizing that crops had a certain growing timeframe, it became necessary to allow a ‘waiting’ period as well, with the conclusion that sedentary lifestyle and agriculture go hand in hand.

This major shift turned hunter-gatherers into farmers and cattle keepers. As a direct consequence there was an increase in the population; this increase pushed to improve the quality and quantity of crops and cattle.
The Neolithic Revolution implies more than the dawn of farming.
The new settler communities were the first step towards further development of evolved societies, with assigned ranks and powers, in other words hierarchical and political structures.

No. 00 Albion

ALBION is one of the ancient names for Great Britain: a mythical and highly evocative place known for its frequent literary references to 
“perfidious Albion”.

Indeed, this pejorative phrase is used within the context of international relations diplomacy alluding to supposedly unscrupulous policies by monarchs of the United Kingdom.

Albion folk is patriotic, monarchical, multi-ethnic, ugly, overweight, and fashionable; the Albionics are open to the future but at the same time firmly rooted in their traditions; they have bizarre habits that often make the rest of the world raise its eyebrows.
For example, it is the only country where people drive on the right, totally convinced that’s the right way to drive. Points of view. However, unlike the French, British people are perfectly aware that they are not perfect with their quirks and peculiarities, especially British humour. British humour carries a strong element of satire and irony.
Jokes are told with an impassive face, while themes are often sarcastic. British people are distinguished by a sophisticated education that leaves non-space for arrogant or conceited attitudes, preferring self-irony and modesty.
British humour softens tones, bringing laughter to sad and embarrassing moments. At the end of the day, what might seem like hostile or rude behaviour to us is just a way of lightening the mood. Laughing at oneself at one’s weaknesses is a strength, same as making fun of life’s misfortunes and failures. We like this trait a lot here at OOPart.