Lucia
Barbagallo
︎

I commenced my exploration of human ecosystems through photography at the age of 14 or 15. On Sunday mornings, I would take trains to Milan to investigate the underprivileged suburbs of the nearest major city to my hometown. My interest in these areas and their social dynamics motivated me to navigate these spaces, aiming to comprehend the intricate relationships between individuals, their environments, and the dimensions of time and space. This journey resulted in a series of photographs, predominantly in black and white, depicting individuals engaged in acts of waiting—waiting for public transportation, rides, friends, financial support, employment opportunities, or simply the conclusion of the day, often with the hope for a more favorable tomorrow.Subsequently, I participated in performance classes, where I encountered influential works such as Peter Brook and Marie-Hélène Estienne's "Battlefield," Living Theatre's "Paradise Now," Antonin Artaud's "Theatre of Cruelty," and Jean Genet's "Les Bonnes." These experiences profoundly influenced my perception of urban environments as stages for performances that manifest not only among actors but throughout everyday life, where the theatrical scene is inherently embedded in daily existence.Life, characterized by its cruelty or beauty, ease or despair, serves as a battleground for individuals striving to assert their identities, claim their space, and pursue freedom. The "Battlefield" project seeks to translate the human condition within urban settings into compelling performances. Inspired by the principles of the Theatre of Cruelty, this initiative endeavors to illuminate the humanitarian crises confronting contemporary cities.In this project, individuals are portrayed within public, transitional spaces—temporary settings for living or engaging in various activities. Much like actors on a stage, they are illuminated and isolated, with the focus directed toward their narratives. Reflective of improvisational and devised theatre, these participants convey their stories through minimal and spontaneous gestures, adding no unnecessary layers to their narratives. Through this endeavor, I aim to examine reality from diverse perspectives, thereby enhancing awareness of the human conditions and emerging crises present in urban and suburban areas.

︎Spec - Tech
A3
printed on recycled paper
︎︎︎flexible