CAMBIO

CAMBIO – from the medieval Latin cambium – means “change, exchange.” This is the title of a multidisciplinary exhibition by the duo of Italian designers residing in Amsterdam, Studio Formafantasma (Andrea Trimarchi, 1983 and Simone Farresin, 1980), which from 15 May to 24 October 2021 brings a project based on research on the governance of the wood industry to the Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art in Prato. The exhibition, first presented and organized by the Serpentine Gallery, was curated in London by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Rebecca Lewin, in collaboration with Cristiana Perrella at Centro Pecci.

The wood industry, which is extremely widespread around the world and thus difficult to regulate, began in the 19th century with the exploration for scientific and commercial ends of colonial territories and their biodiversity. It soon became one of the productive activities of greatest impact, in both economic and ecological terms.

The exhibition features data and research in the form of interviews, materials for further study and two films made by Formafantasma at the conclusion of their research. The show presents several case studies that provide information on how wood is purchased and utilized in the world. These investigations were carried out in collaboration with experts in the fields of science, engineering, environmental policy and philosophy.