Roman Foraging is an exploration of the intricate relationship between city dwellers and the wild, untamed spaces that exist within urban environments. The installation invites us to discover the rich tapestry of life that thrives in overlooked corners of our cities, where nature reclaims its place and where people meet because of a passion for spontaneous plants and herbs.
Sabrina Morreale, a spatial practitioner, educator and co-founder of Lemonot - a due based between London and Italy - will show parts of her research project that was carried out as an Italian Fellow in Architecture at the American Academy Rome in 2023/2024.
Sabrina will present a series of photographs, cartographies and film sequences from different neighbourhoods to the Roman countryside.
Roman Foraging is a profound ethnobotanical journey into the city of Rome, along the Via Appia, the Caffarella, Tor Fiscale and the Parco degli Acquedotti, which leads to the rediscovery of ancient knowledge, often passed down only orally and which risks being lost in the curves of contemporaneity. Above all, Foraging Rome tells us about knowing how to cultivate relationships, sought-after and sometimes coincidental - with a desire to dedicate oneself to it and moreover about the value of time.
Foraging is an age-old practice that bridges knowledge and action. It encourages us to step outside, explore our local environments, and connect with the edible plants that grow amidst urban life. Each foraged herb and wild green tells a story—of resilience, adaptation, and our shared heritage of growing food.
As we forage, we tap into a timeless tradition that transcends generations. The work Roman Foraging highlights the ongoing relationship between humans and plants, emphasizing how urban foraging fosters a sense of community and stewardship for our environment. The act of gathering not only sustains us physically, but also deepens our appreciation for the natural world.
Cities like Rome serve as living archives, where the stories of plants reflect historical movements of people and goods. The spontaneous vegetation found in urban landscapes narrates tales of resilience, adaptation, and connection. By foraging, we participate in this narrative, uncovering the layers of history that shape our urban ecosystems.
Dj D, Donata De Stefano’s unique blend of music inspired by the feral garden and the sounds of untamed nature in Rome will bring out an enchanting atmosphere. This combination not only highlights the beauty of nature but also invites contemplation and exploration.
“Roman Foraging asks the viewer to stay active, to walk towards the outside, towards his own outside - starting from some places that seem abandoned, but in reality, often, are just forgotten. Traces of an unfinished past that can be transformed into a filter for possible futures.” Sabrina Morreale