We are talking about those born in the first half of the twentieth century, survivors of wars and natural disasters. This generation saw their loved ones emigrate to the coast or to distant Australia. They are the guardians of collective memory and the bond that keeps our roots alive.
For years, I photographed these people among the “lines” (alleys) of the village, seeking the wisdom they hold. I used to sit on their doorsteps; their smiles would smooth the furrows of their faces as they told stories of lived experience.
Today, those doors are closed and the voices have faded. However, I owe my deep connection to this land to that generation. They made me a citizen of the world with a strong, rooted identity. Through my photographs, I honor their legacy, preserving the essence of our community for the future.