Oltremare studio

Abstract

"Oltremare Studio" is a video work that presents the initial outcomes of an ongoing research project focusing on the fragile landscape between the provinces of Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria. It investigates the intersection of the area's geological history, human migration, and the movements of water that have shaped both the land and its inhabitants. This region, once submerged by the sea, is now scattered with fossils of extinct marine species preserved in white sand cliffs, offering a tangible sense of environmental changes and creating a visual connection to human migratory movements. "Oltremare Studio" begins with the history of the region, marked by waves of emigration, first to Argentina and then to northern Italy. Through a series of recorded conversations, the video explores the emotional landscapes of departure, oscillating between nostalgia, the desire to push beyond boundaries, and the broader utopian ideal of progress that has influenced local territorial policies. Visually, the video unfolds through views of white quarries rich with fossils, the industrial port of Gioia Tauro, inland landscapes, sea views, domestic interiors, and people in motion. The installation of the work at the 14th edition of Video Sound Art festival is curated by Laura Lamonea.