Natural
16 May
Natural is a community art project that explores the profound connection between nature and belonging. Artist and anthropologist Rucsandra Pop led intimate conversations with people from around the world who made Coimbra their new home. This project uncovers the surprising ways in which natural elements can bridge the gap between countries and cultures. A familiar tree, a certain flower, a river or an animal can become your more-than-human friend or even family member. These deeply personal stories reveal how nature serves as a universal language of comfort and belonging, helping newcomers find pieces of home in their adopted landscape.
Growing Community, One Story at a Time
The heart of Natural lies in its transformation of individual experiences into collective art that will be presented on May 16th on Quebra Costas, near Almedina Tower. This living artwork carries the voices and stories of people who decided to start a new life in Portugal, celebrating the natural elements that helped them grow new roots. A Community Dinner will bring together newcomers and long-time residents around this living installation, fostering meaningful dialogue and understanding. This gathering will transform the space into a "garden of new and old memories". Through sharing food, we will contribute to an even more inclusive and connected Coimbra community.
We are gardeners, not flowers
The Natural project is inspired by this year's Anozero Art Biennial theme — "Segurar, dar, receber" (To hold, to give, to receive). It's also a tribute to an artwork from a previous edition of Anozero: the artistic and poetic intervention created by Moirika Reker and Gilberto Reis, installed in the São Sebastião Aqueduct (or Arcos do Jardim).
Listen,
A wind has died.
Don't you realize?
We are gardeners, not flowers.
This project has been made possible through the generous contributions of numerous volunteers, humans, and more-than-human community members, and supporting institutions who have shared their time, stories, and expertise throughout every stage of its development.