Organic Shop Project - Organized by Yutaka Kobayashi Platform C Academy in Turkey, Summer 2000
Method: art work
We will do some research on the life of Cappadocia especially in relation to the ecological system and by joining other related workshops during the first period. We will conduct further research with local farmers, workshops including activating effective microorganisms and by using those microorganisms to ferment composts. Based on the above activity we will find communication methods to express our ideas and a suitable place for making an experiment or installation. The work will be exhibited and I wish to function in the community or in peoples' minds.
Aim of the Workshop
Using methods of "ecological public art" as vehicles of public communication in the community, it may be possible to act as a catalyst in solving current social problems, such as environmental problems and to foster meaning of life.
Summary of Activities
3rd Sun. Attended the opening ceremony at Hudson.
4th Mon. Joined the workshop held by the Andus, walked in the valley in Goreme.
5th Tue. Joined the workshop held by Andus and Titus, walked and saw some cave houses, churches, and pigeon's houses in the valley.
6th Wed. Saw Uchisar which is going to be one of the main sites of the exhibition.
7th Thu. Searched for materials at Nveshehil. Presented Kobayashi's former projects.
8th Fri. Morning - Joined the workshop held by Andus, walking from Goreme to Uchisar along the valley, saw stream and vegetation.
Afternoon - visited three springs in Uchisar. Made contact with old farmers, talked about the history of spring water, city water supply, and his life especially the farming problems. One of old farmers stories:
Harvest has been poor for 5 ～ 6 years, the main reason is the drought which is believed to be punishment from the god for abandoning their traditional life style and selling their property to foreigners for the purpose of their summer houses. We realized again the importance of water.
9th. Sat. More interviews from the inhabitants of the community. Planned the project.
10th. San. Decided the site for the installation. Took pictures and made the drawing plans.
11th Mon. Showed the plans to the mayor and got permission and support to the project. Started the work.
12 ～ 16th Worked at the site - searched for tools and materials, talked to neighbors, had workshops. *It was very hard to find the right tools, materials and work in the rural village of a developing country.
- Made a path to the site
- Cleared and cleaned the site
- Made a stone water basin
- Made a water system from the basin
- Lead water from the spring to the basin
- Made the microorganisms and compost using pigeon droppings
- Spread the microorganisms and the compost
- Planted the flowers and trees
- Made benches for seeing sun sets or moon risings
- Restored the dwellings for the gallery or resting space
- Exhibited photos of the site before and during the process
- Relaxed and rested
16th Sat. Evening - Exhibition openings in Uchisar.
17 ～ 18th Readjusted water systems, Explained maintenance matter to inhabitants and transferred to their care.
- Few years later -
Will enjoy a small forest in the middle of a dry land.
This project was made possible by the organization of Platform-c Academy in Cappadocia,
I would like to thank: organizers of Platform-c Academy in Cappadocia; Students from Ryukyu University, Tokyo University, Istanbul Technical University; Architects from Turkey; Anthropologists, Archaeologists from Germany; the mayor of Uchisar; neighbors of Uchisar; Department of the park service in Nveshehil; La Maison Du Reve; Stable in Uchisar; and many others.
Aim
Activities
