The Rodina

The Rodina
Ungrounding
Installation, 2024

Drawings of artefacts found through archaeological excavations, courtesy of Oxford Archeology.

Microscopic images of Calcium tests as part of the University of Oxford, Begbroke Polymers Group research.

Drawings of artefacts found through archaeological excavations, courtesy of Oxford Archeology.

Curation and commissioning for Begbroke Innovation District. The inaugural installation featured on STORE’s Outdoor Canvas is 'Ungrounding' by design studio The Rodina. The artwork explores technology used at the Begbroke site throughout time, telling the story of the landscape by weaving together data imagery from the University of Oxford's Polymer Group: Department of Materials' research with artefacts found during archaeological excavations in the area, ranging from Saxon copper broaches and axe heads to keys and horse harnesses.

Combining cutting-edge materials research with relics of a bygone age - 'the lab and the land' - puts past and present into dialogue, painting a picture of the local landscape, and offering space for conversation, new ideas, and connections between art and science.

‘Ungrounding’ is part of 'Another Landscape’ our public arts programme for Oxford University Development in Begbroke. The programme directly responds to, and is in dialogue with, the surrounding landscape and those that inhabit it - prioritising local materials, innovation, knowledge exchange, co-design, experimentation, local stewardship and space for research.

Company
The Rodina, STORE, Kaye Song, Structure Workshop, Donna Walker, University of Oxford Begbroke Polymers Group, Oxford Archeology & Zetteler.