atypicals

In 2021, I met Cate, Ale, Ines, Miri, Ninni, and Martino. They live just outside Bologna, and in their family, they practice libertarian education and homeschooling until middle school.

While working on their “project city,” studying ideal cities in literature throughout history, and the different concepts of cities, contemplating urban planning, philosophy, or cinema, and working on their idea of an ideal city, since I met them a few years ago, I’ve had the chance to watch Vinicio and Martino grow, who are now entering the final years of homeschooling.

They are vegans, and in their home in the “village,” you can feel the history of Emilia-Romagna, singing CCCP songs and attending protests. The doorbell often rings. Sometimes it’s Vero helping with English or Vale, who is assisting with the city project. Other times, it's a neighbor helping Ninni solder lights to the model, or a friend dropping by to visit the family. Ale’s lunches are little delights filled with spices and love. Ines tells us about high school, and Miri can’t wait to start attending it. Cate has become a close friend, and they all feel like family. The image of Ninni and Martino running barefoot down the village path to hug me and tell me the latest news from their home gives me hope for the future of this world.

This ongoing project aims to share their story, using drawings, paintings, constructions, and archival material, in total synergy with all of them.