/ CELIBI

CELIBI, The Day Woodii Woke Up Female” is a project by the artist Donata Lazzarini, curated by Maria Rosa Sossai, born from the collaboration between the Orto Botanico dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo, the Università degli Studi di Palermo, and Stylnove Ceramiche.

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The exhibition takes shape from the story of Encephalartos woodii, one of the rarest botanical species in the world, for which no female specimen has ever been found.

From this absence begins a research project that intertwines art, botany, and technical experimentation, questioning the relationship between biodiversity, memory, and imagination.

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Through digital modeling, 3D printing, and ceramic processing, the project imagines possible forms of the species’ female strobilus, translating a scientific hypothesis into sculptural matter.

Eight ceramic works and two white porcelain pieces inhabit the spaces of the Orto Botanico dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo, together with window graphics and graphic works that reflect the dialogue between artistic research and botanical study.

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The exhibition opened on May 8, 2026, at the Orto Botanico dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo and will remain open to visitors until October 20, 2026.

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The project is supported by PAC2025 – Piano per l’Arte Contemporanea, promoted by the Direzione Generale Creatività Contemporanea del Ministero della Cultura, and commissioned by Unipa Heritage – Sistema Museale dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo.