The Apulian millennial olive trees become works of ceramic art thanks to 3D scan and digital modeling

TO Grottagliecity of ceramic in the province of Taranto, the artistic tradition meets new technologies in an innovative project that celebrates the Apulian cultural heritage. The master ceramists Giovanni and Donatello Spagnulo, active for over 25 years, have chosen to merge craftsmanship with advanced digital tools to give life to Works inspired by the millennial olive trees of Pugliarecognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

This project was born as a tribute to the beauty and resilience of these centuries -old trees, many of which have been seriously affected by xylellathe bacterium that devastated entire expanses of olive groves. With their work, the Spanish brothers wanted to preserve the image and identity of these green giants transforming them into ceramic sculptures large, capturing its structure and essence.

Thanks to a loan obtained through the Cohn Cento – Support to the cultural and creative sectors for innovation and digital transition, promoted by Invitalia and supported by the European Union – Nextgeneration, the project was able to count on the use of cutting -edge technologies.

How the works were worked

The processing of the works took place through three -dimensional scan techniques and digital modelingwhich have made it possible to faithfully reproduce the physiognomy and characteristics of the original olive trees. Each sculpture, modeled and painted by hand, enhances the shades of the wood and the depth of the materialreturning the strength and majesty of these trees symbol of Mediterranean culture.

Among the most representative creations are the “Dancing olive“, Characterized by sinuous branches that seem to move with the wind; The “Baron“, Symbol of strength and continuity; and the “Old sovereign“, From the robust and gnarled trunk. Each specimen was carefully chosen after inspections in the territories of Manduria and Massafrawhere in -depth studies and photographic documents have been conducted to guarantee a faithful reproduction.

The project is not limited to the physical creation of sculptures: thanks to the increased reality, users will be able to digitally explore the works from any deviceimmersing himself in an interactive and engaging experience. Thanks to Design Thinking methodologies, a distinctive visual identity for the project was developed, represented by the logo with the “Mignola”, the flower of the olive tree, a symbol of rebirth and continuity of tradition.