Lucia
Barbagallo
︎

As urban centers grapple with the realities of gentrification, rural ecosystems face a similarly troubling transformation—one that is epitomized by the ambitious and disruptive act of leveling a mountain. A construction company is currently engaged in this drastic endeavor to make way for new developments such as golf courses, tennis courts, and various structures. This project, occurring on a mountain standing at 1,241 meters, is glaringly visible from my home in Italy. It compels me to speak out about the detrimental consequences of compromising our natural ecosystems for unnecessary and unsustainable constructions that threaten to irrevocably alter cherished landscapes. My project, "Catherine Wheel," serves as a poignant reminder of this mountain's significance. Captured primarily from my balcony, with select footage from its peak, it presents a visual portrait of the mountain while celebrating the profound beauty of the environment that has shaped my life. Through long, contemplative sequences, I aim to convey the striking contrast between the sublime majesty of nature and the invasive encroachment of human development. The static shots of the quarry highlight an internal struggle, revealing our collective discomfort as we attempt to conceal the mountain’s degradation behind artificial gardens, plantations, and trees. Insights garnered from informal discussions with engineers and specialists underscore the precariousness of these developments; the plantation could easily collapse during mild flooding, further emphasizing the fragility of our interventions. This realization has prompted me to integrate the themes of weather and climate change into my work, blurring traditional seasonal boundaries to reflect the urgent realities of our environment. Having walked its paths and explored its hidden trails extensively, I have developed a deep connection to this mountain. "Catherine Wheel," named after the acrobat who gracefully soars by paraglider in the film’s conclusion, embodies the ephemeral beauty of the mountain we risk losing. Through this project, I strive to inspire awareness and action in preserving our natural heritage, urging viewers to recognize the intrinsic value of the landscapes that enrich our lives.