Throughout 2020 and 2021, two Florence photographers, Alessandra Barucchieri and Viola Parretti, visited a group of Oltrarno workshops, intent on immortalizing their age-old traditions and current creativity, as a symbolic act of solidarity. Beginning on June 4, 2021 at Il Palmerino Cutural Association, the exhibition Oltrarno Stories showcases the neighborhood’s multi-faceted talent. “When spotlighting artisans it’s best to go back to the root of the word – which is art,” says Barucchieri. “Preparing this exhibition has helped us realize how much artisans have to give, in terms of cultural heritage and experience, but also from a human perspective.” Viola Parretti agrees, “I was surprised to see how warmly we were welcomed into the workshops and pleased to be reminded just how many there are. Some of them had lots of explanations to share and others were more reserved, but they all had something in common: a true commitment to their craft.”

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Who’s been captured on film? Claudio Arezio, construction of violins, violas and cellos; Franco Carrai, printmaking and decorative objects; Donatella De Gianpietro, Barbara Mingazzini and Antonella Conti, forte-piano restoration; Marcello Galgani and Lorenzo Galgani, beveling, engraving and restoration of glass and crystal; Francesca Grossi and Laura Lotti, specialized in stone and multi-media restorations including porcelain, majolica, terracotta, ivory, glass and mosaics; Silvia Logi, multi-media mosaics; Antonio Mannina, handmade shoes; Stefania Martelli, restoration of gold and painted works; Luigi Meocchi, wood carving and restoration.

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Source:

'The soul of the place: Oltrarno Stories photography exhibition'

Inside AWA magazine, Summer 2021.

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