Castagnàr-coltura, tradizione, arte popolare

“Castagnàr – coltura, tradizione, arte popolare” is a photographic and editorial project that explores the important cultural and monumental role played by the chestnut tree in the mountain communities of Trentino, in particular that of Centa San Nicolò, where I grew up with my family. As well as documenting the majesty of these trees, many of whom are secular, witnesses of village stories and legends, I’ve also portrayed their identity role for the community, which is expressed in the artistic form of folk art.

In fact,  pictures depict sculptural works, consisting of roughly carved trunks or old chestnut tree stumps, created by talented local woodcutters. In the works of these anonymous craftsmen, it can be recognised the desire to preserve the tradition of the chestnut tree, enhancing it even after its death; the love for a place, its woods and its trees and a sacred form of gratitude: a plant that has helped a community to define itself as such, to recognize itself in a tradition and have a popular identity, needs to be protected and venerated. The work of these craftsmen evokes the spirit of a community.