Abstract of the accomplished photographic work
On the ground among the animals explores the possibility of a “visual ecocriticism”. Departing from an analytical study of the Natura 2000 network of ecological corridors promoted by the European Union to preserve biodiversity, I explored the ambiguities inherent in the dominating role played by human beings over nature and the tensions that emerge from their relationship with other animals.
The work is composed of different elements. Monochrome architectural photographs of the crossing devices dialogue with a large series of colour photographs of the physical ecosystem created for the wildlife: the landscape of the nature reserves, the presence of animals, barriers and flow monitoring systems. A second layer of colour images represents the outcome of my theoretical research and ranges from architecture built by the animals, their representation, till politics and borders for the humans. The project is also composed of a three channel video installation with sound and a book.
Description of the project you intend to pursue through the Prize
I’m writing this project while on a plane for work. A necessary ‘alone’ condition that comes with my job. I can’t help but reflect on the change we’re witnessing whereby the new generations show a progressive unwillingness to yield to the conditions imposed by work.
My father has always been working. He worked in about 30 Italian provinces and worldwide, from New Orleans to Manila, from Taranto to Porto Marghera: thermal, steel and nuclear plants.
‘Why am I always finding a job?’ asks V.Trevisan in Works. He eventually resolves that it has to do with our fathers all wearing a worker uniform which would ultimately define them as men.
I’ll create a geography using the list of places where the man, my father, worked: an exoskeleton for a more intimate imagery dealing with the dimension of ‘the working man’ (archive, portrait and verbal language). Analytical and poetic, the book will display images in dialogue with broad-spectrum reflections on the topic,.as my previous ones.