Fairy Ring

Stefano Caimi

Fairy rings inspire this work. These centuries-old natural phenomena steeped in legends and tales – the work of covens of witches dancing during rituals – are actually the work of subterranean mushrooms. The mycelia, i.e. roots, of species such as the Macro Mushroom (Agaricus crocodilinus) expand outwards as a circle, slipping into a constant process of birth, death, decomposition, and rebirth. The work uses the area’s natural elements – mushrooms, nature’s cycle – as storytelling elements, complemented by centuries-old legends which take centre stage in this area.

The work was made thanks to RGP Balls (www.rgpballs.com) technical support and the help of Cristina Trevia.

Exhibit place Armentara

Armentara is famous for its wealth of biodiversity, boasting different species such as 244 mushrooms, 65 lichen, 55 spiders, 43 birds, 40 butterflies, and 10 ants! The meadows are home to a special flower, the Alpine anemone, which is known by its Ladin name stria – witch – due to its capacity to mutate. It blooms white or yellow in spring, but then shrinks into an infructescence reminiscent of a bob of wild, unruly, white hair.