Terroir Art-residency, UPPA Winery, 2021.
"Escape to Reality" UPPA Winery Residence Project
My art project *Terroir* was created in May 2021 during an art residency at UPPA Winery. It explores three fundamental factors that determine wine's quality and character: earth, human factor, and climate. Each aspect is represented in a separate mixed media work on 120×80 cm plywood panels.
1. Terroir (Earth)
This work examines the concept of terroir (from French "terre" - earth) - the combination of soil and climatic conditions of a location, including topography, presence of water bodies, forests, solar activity, and ecosystem specifics. In winemaking, terroir defines wine's unique characteristics. Connoisseurs identify a distinct "taste of terroir" - those flavor notes in wine that come directly from the soil where vines grow. Created using found objects, acrylics, enamel and paper collages, the piece visualizes the complex interconnection of natural elements.
2. L'homme (Human)
This component highlights humanity's role in winemaking. While terroir represents the natural aspect, the human factor encompasses all vine-growing and winemaking activities - from agricultural techniques to winemaking philosophy. In the Anthropocene epoch, when human activity significantly impacts ecosystems, conscious interaction with nature becomes crucial. Modern winemakers increasingly focus on ecological practices, which reflect in wine's character. The artwork incorporates materials found near the winery that are connected to human agricultural activity.
3. Le Climat (Climate)
The final piece of the triptych addresses climatic factors in viticulture: temperature, humidity, sunlight, and extreme weather phenomena (frosts, hail, winds). Climate directly affects vine vegetation and harvest quality, while its changes present new challenges to winemakers. The composition [remaining text continues...]
Curator: Pavel Rtue
Art residency and exhibition: UPPA Winery