A country as vast as an entire continent, where hundreds of peoples mix, coexist and encounter one another, speaking an incredible number of different languages and worshipping thousands of deities; originating from unfathomably ancient eras and projected into a future that, in some areas of technology, economics and customs, is already present.
The very concepts of space and time are, for an experienced and open-minded visitor, measurable in terms that are quite different from those of the victorious but declining West. Space and time contract into the few metres of a metropolitan street or expand across the courtyard of a temple or an ancient fortress.
The duration of a journey, however long, through northern India and Nepal obviously does not even allow one to gain a superficial knowledge of these countries, with their ancient civilisation and immense geographical extent. Yet the very power of the territory and nature, the force of life that unfolds within it, the fascination of customs, movement and gestures, manage to manifest and convey a vibrant and profound dimension, a human and social condition that is absolutely unique.
The photographic project, which was subsequently extended to other countries: Armenia, Georgia, Romania, Syria …., was intended to devote the research to the complex and innumerable relationships among the individuals of this immense world and, in particular, but not exclusively, to the fundamental and foundational relationship of human civilisation: the family.
Within it, the figures of reference vary and can be profound and primordial, such as the feminine/maternal figure; powerful and dominant, like that of the father or the head of the family; nuanced and changeable, like those of brotherhood and sisterhood. Hence, Mother India, vast and secure in her indolent certainty; Father God and Master, not yet touched by doubt concerning his social role; the children, and then the significant and important variations: grandparents, uncles, cousins and great-uncles/aunts.
The photographs, all taken without preparation, posing, selection of lighting or timing, offer a report that is certainly partial and personal, but precisely for this reason genuine and open to circumstances, chance, and the unrepeatable moment.
