The International Jury of the 13th Venice Architecture Biennale has awarded Cino Zucchi Architetti (CZA) a special mention for their installation, Copycat. Empathy and Envy as Form Makers. Their contribution is based on the notion that “we are all a bit copycats”, understanding that cultures are propagated by following “infectious” processes that combine imitation and innovation. CZA presents a collection of “almost-alike” objects and images with the idea that “similarity” rather than “originality” is where people find common ground.
CZA describes, “The installation gives body to the idea that formal cultures propagate through “contagious” processes which combine imitation and innovation, creating sequences of artifacts linked by subtle variations on a common theme. Nine metal cabinets are grouped around a central space paved with steel “cobblestones”. Each displays objects or images linked by this “almost-alike” principle: with entomological boxes, bread rolling pins from Rajasthan, pictures of Milanese Post-WWII façades by Giovanna Silva, scale models of submarines, pictures by Ari Versluis and Ellie Uyttenbroek of people dressed in similar fashions, souvenir buildings, an artwork by Charlie Roberts, architectural working models by CZA.”
“Resemblance, rather than “originality”, is what permits dialogue among humans, and what gives form to the urban environments that we recognize as the beloved backdrops to our lives.”
Exhibited works:
- Charlie Roberts: Wood Wall Witchcraft, 2012
- Ari Versluis and Ellie Uyttenbroek: Exactitudes, 1995-2011
- Giovanna Silva with Delfino Sisto Legnani: Details of Post World War II residential façades from Milan, 2012
Realization: De Castelli – Albino Celato With the contribution of: Ennio Brion, De Castelli, EuroMilano, Marazzi Glass: AGC Flat Glass Italia Thanks to: Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano: Entomological boxes from the Brivio Collection
