From 21 January to 20 April 2022, the Gipsoteca di Arte Antica e Antiquarium (Sistema Museale di Ateneo) of the University of Pisa will host the installation, conceived as a research station, "An Archaeology of disability", presented at the Venice Biennale in 2021.
The work, curated by David Gissen, Jennifer Stager, Mantha Zarmakoupi and supported by the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard University, is composed of a projection, medium-sized stone elements and a station with tactile stimuli. It is the result of archaeological research conducted by these scholars on the majestic access ramp that connected the agora of Athens to the Acropolis, of which little archaeological evidence and brief descriptions remain today. The question that the authors of the installation asked themselves is what is the most legitimate language to describe something that does not exist and of whose appearance we know very little. This reflection led to the use of sign language which, especially in its more 'recitative' version, not only offers the possibility of providing information related to dates, dimensions and architecture, but also conveys the emotional dimension of the route.
The plaster casts in the Gipsoteca reproducing the Athenian monuments have been redesigned to form a single accessible itinerary that integrates with the temporary installation. The plaster casts of the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Ephebe of Kritios and the Tyrannicides have been fitted with new explanatory panels in Italian and English, complete with a QR code that links to online content: in this way, everyone will be able to read the texts on their own mobile device, selecting the font size appropriate to their needs. For even easier reading, it will also be possible to request large printed room sheets at reception.
Admission is free of charge.
It is possible to book guided tours in Italian, English and French at a cost of €2.50 per person by writing to info.gipsoteca@sma.unipi.it.
In March, guided tours will be organised in LIS - Italian Sign Language. The calendar will be communicated through the event's social channels. Participation is free of charge, but reservations must be made by writing to accessibilita@sma.unipi.it.
The initiative is part of the event "Archaeological areas and accessibility: from limitation to opportunity", curated by Anna Anguissola and Chiara Tarantino, organised by the Gipsoteca di Arte Antica and Antiquarium of the Sistema Museale di Ateneo, under the patronage of the Departments of Civiltà e Forme del sapere and Filologia, Letteratura e Linguistica and of the Comune di Pisa, in cooperation with USID - Ufficio servizi per l'integrazione di studenti con disabilità.
Programme of meetings: https://www.gipsoteca.sma.unipi.it/2022/01/aree-archeologiche-e-accessibilita/
On Wednesday 30 March 2022, starting at 4.30 p.m., it will be possible to take part in a guided tour of the installation "An Archaeology of Disability" exhibited on the occasion of the Venice Biennale in 2021 and hosted at the Gipsoteca di Arte Antica e Antiquarium of the University of Pisa until 20 April. There will be an interpreting service in LIS - Italian Sign Language.
The visits will take place in two shifts:
I shift: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
II shift: 18:00-19:00 hours
Everyone can participate in the visit. Priority will be given to deaf people.
Participation is free of charge but booking is necessary. For information and reservations, please send an email to accessibilita@sma.unipi.it.
The visits will be curated by Anna Anguissola and Chiara Tarantino, in collaboration with Francesca Corradi.
For further information: https://www.gipsoteca.sma.unipi.it/
