From November 5th to 14th, 2024, the historical headquarters of the Società Geografica Italiana, Palazzetto Mattei in Villa Celimontana, played host to a compelling photographic exhibition titled “Esplorazioni della Plastisfera. Intrecci sottomarini di Naturacultura nel Mediterraneo” (Explorations of the Plastisphere. Underwater Weavings of Nature-Culture in the Mediterranean) by renowned photographer Giuseppe Lupinacci/Raw-News. PartArt4ow was proud to be actively represented at this significant event, underscoring our commitment to fostering societal engagement with critical ocean and water issues through innovative, participatory approaches.
The exhibition offered a powerful visual narrative of plastic pollution within the Mediterranean, inviting visitors to confront the complex and often unseen impacts of human activity on marine ecosystems. The stunning photography served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for action and deeper understanding.
PartArt4ow's participation was prominently featured through the work of the SeaPaCS team, a foundational initiative closely aligned with PartArt4ow's mission. During the inauguration ceremony on November 5th, held in the esteemed Aula “Giuseppe Dalla Vedova,” the SeaPaCS team presented its proposal for establishing a cutting-edge research lab dedicated to marine social geography and visual documentation. This initiative directly contributes to the activities envisioned by the EU Citizen Science Prize program, further solidifying the link between scientific inquiry, public participation, and artistic expression.
A key highlight of the inauguration was the screening of the powerful reportage, “SeaPaCS. Participatory Citizen Science against Marine Pollution,” produced by Federico Fornaro and Giuseppe Lupinacci of Raw-News, with project coordination by Chiara Certomà, who also serves as the scientific supervisor for PartArt4ow. This film vividly demonstrated the practical application of participatory citizen science in addressing marine pollution, showcasing how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful change.
The ceremony also featured insightful discussions on the future of marine social geography research. Esteemed speakers included Claudio Cerreti, President of the Società Geografica Italiana, alongside Sapienza Università di Roma's Chiara Certomà, Filippo Celata, and Riccardo Morri, who shared their expertise on the evolving landscape of geographical studies. Renato Carafa from Delegazione Roma Lega Navale Italiana and Federico Fornaro from Raw-News further enriched the dialogue, emphasizing the crucial role of visual documentation and community involvement.
PartArt4ow's presence at “Esplorazioni della Plastisfera” perfectly encapsulated our core objective: to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and public awareness through the transformative power of art. By supporting initiatives that merge artistic creativity with rigorous research and citizen engagement, we aim to inspire deeper emotional connections to our aquatic environments and mobilize collective action for their protection and restoration.
We encourage everyone to view the video registration of the "Esplorazioni della Plastisfera" presentation, which is available on the Società Geografica Italiana's web page and provides a comprehensive overview of this impactful event. PartArt4ow remains committed to fostering such vital collaborations as we continue our journey towards a healthier ocean and water future.
[photo G.Lupinacci]