ACTIVITY
Staged Photography Artistic Residency
As part of the Residency program, the artists produced a total of 12 photographic works inspired by the frescoes of the Bormida Gothic itinerary, located in various castles, churches, and chapels in the Bormida Valley, in the regions of Liguria and Piedmont. Additionally, 8 photographic works were created as personal projects.
12 photographic works inspired by the frescoes of the itinerary
The Residency has proven to be a useful tool for attracting high-caliber artists and sharing historical and natural spaces and locations of a beauty still hidden from most. Furthermore, the Residency has made an exemplary contribution to reviving the Gothic/late Gothic churches, castles, and chapels of the Bormida Valley, fostering a wonderful connection and coexistence between locals and artists from the rest of Europe. The Residency resulted in the exhibition “ECHOES OF GOTHIC BORMIDA” curated by Merche Moriana. A journey through the history of Gothic and late Gothic art of the Bormida Valley through contemporary artworks by artists in residence: Michela Chiarizio, Deborah Zuanazzi, Rocío García Pérez, Inanis, and Germán Luque, at the Filanda di Monesiglio. Via Francesco Corsini, 18, Monesiglio, Italy
Deborah Zuanazzi
ITALY
Italian fine art photographer and digital artist. Her artistic journey began with the study of art at a young age, evolving into experiments with pictorial photography. Using the camera as a medium, she transforms her inner world into images, always starting from a sketch of her vision.
Beyond her mastery of painting, Deborah’s works immerse us in a fantastical and surreal universe, achieved with mastery in post-production, a key element of her extraordinary work.
During her residency, Deborah worked with the lives of three female martyrs, each deprived of a part of their body: the teeth of Saint Apollonia, the eyes of Saint Lucy, and the breasts of Saint Agatha. Deborah subtly represented this lack in her work, using fake blood rather than opting for the explicitness found in traditional paintings. She also examined the figure of Saint Sebastian.
To bring the scenes to life, Deborah found inspiration in the very places where these stories took place: the Ancient Parish Church of San Martino in Lignera (Saliceto), the fresco of Sant’Apollonia in the Chapel of the Caldera Castle in Monesiglio, the Church of San Rocco in Levice, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine in Prunetto and the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Roccaverano.
Inanis
FRANCE
An independent professional photographer since 2010, Inanis (38, Paris) has forged a career that’s anything but linear, an intriguing and adventurous path.
Called “artist” since adolescence, he always rejected the label until he finally found his passion after studying science, management, and communication. In a twist of irony, #mythologies was born when he was on the verge of abandoning photography to embark on a new career path. The project presents itself as a declaration of love for art history. For Inanis, photography is merely a medium, a means through which to explore painting, sculpture, and even engraving, all rooted in contemporary issues.
During his artist residency, Inanis explored an ancient legend. According to legend, when the young man’s parents returned to Santo Domingo de la Calzada to bid farewell to their son, condemned to death, they found him still alive, thanks to the miraculous intervention of Saint Dominic. Surprised by this event, the parents turned to the authorities to inform them. The Corregidor (sheriff) of Santo Domingo, skeptical of the miracle, replied that their son would be as alive as the roasted rooster and hen he was about to eat. However, as soon as he uttered these words, the roasted rooster and hen on the platter instantly rose, their feathers growing back, and began to crow, thus confirming the miracle that had occurred.
For his works, Inanis explored the fresco “Miracle of Santo Domingo of the Calzada of the Chapel of San Roque.”
Michela Chiarizio
ITALY
Born in Turin on January 23, 1992, Michela Chiarizio, a graduate of Biological Sciences, discovered her passion for photography in 2013, initially specializing in nature photography and later in macrophotography, drawing on her profound cultural background.
Despite her lack of artistic or graphic design training, Michela has always viewed photography as a more than merely documented means of expression. In 2021, she abandoned her predominance in the insect world to focus on human photography.
2022 marked a significant turning point when Michela specialized in pictorial portraiture, exploring indoor photography for the first time. With Pictorial Photography, her artistic expression took center stage, defining and positioning itself uniquely. Beyond the visual aspect, Michela loves to accompany her figurative works with writing, combining photography and words in a unique project that reflects her artistic and narrative vision.
For her works, Michela explored the figure of Saint Apollonia of Alexandria and depicted the Holy Grail through the encounter between the lady and the knight. The lady holds a cup, a symbol of her feminine power and a source of vital inspiration, representing the Grail. In creating these works, Michela drew inspiration from the frescoes of the Ancient Parish Church of San Martino in Lignera and the Chapel of the Caldera Castle.
Germán Luque
SPAIN
At just 28 years old, Germán Luque has already mastered the world of photography with his prowess of portraiture and his unique ability to use light. His first steps in art date back to childhood, and since then he has experimented with pictorial photography, using the camera as a medium to bring his inner world and ideas to life.
Specializing in portraiture and concept photography, Germán completed his studies in professional photography, also focusing on fashion and other disciplines. This solid training has allowed him to translate his conceptual and creative concerns into works of art, often rooted in his personal experiences.
His works have been widely published in magazines and books, and have appeared in exhibitions in various cities in Spain and Latin America. Since his exhibition debut in 2018, Germán has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Athenaeum of Malaga Photography Award and acclaim in the Contemporarte International Competition.
During his residency, Germán created two artworks. The first, a photograph, depicts the Archangel Michael weighing souls, an iconography steeped in symbolism inspired by the Church of San Nicoló in Bardineto (SV). For the second work, Germán drew inspiration from the story of the saint depicted in the fresco of Santa Maria del Casato: a hermit, known as Giovanni di Pietro Bernardone but nicknamed Francis, who, while meditating on the Passion of Christ, was pierced by rays of light, causing stigmata in his hands, feet, and side. Stigmatized people, whose bodies reflect the wounds of Christ during his Passion, have always been objects of devotion, fear, reverence, and study. In his representations, Germán took inspiration from the Church of San Nicoló in Bardineto (SV), from Santa Maria del Casato and from the Church of San Rocco in Levice.
Rocío García Pérez
SPAIN
Originally from Malaga, Rocio is a talented multidisciplinary artist specializing in storytelling through light.
After graduating in Audiovisual Communication and completing a Master’s in Cinematography and Film Direction, Rocio made her artistic debut in 2017 with the exhibition “Art as Destiny.”
Her exploration of constructed photography becomes a unique medium for telling stories, expressing emotions, and challenging perception. Socially engaged, Rocio believes in art as a tool for social inclusion and change. In her artistic world, she creates a balance between self-portraiture and surrealism, embracing nostalgia and childhood memories.
Beyond conventional techniques, Rocio Garcia Perez masterfully balances artistic photography, film production, and cultural management.
For her creation, Rocio explored a unique connection between the different locations of the Bormida Gotica Route, combining various characters in a complex scene. Starting with the figure of Saint Bridget, a pioneering woman who founded the Community of San Salvatore, Rocio interpreted and integrated her actions and historical context. Saint Bridget, along with other saints such as Saint Lucy, Saint Apollonia, and Saint Agatha, is portrayed in scenes depicting their martyrdom, capturing the intensity and drama of the events. Through the detailed and realistic depiction of these sacred figures, Rocio sought to convey the importance and impact of their lives and sacrifices. The presence of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene completes the scene, adding a touch of spirituality and contemplation.
Some of the places that inspired Rocio include the Old Parish Church of San Martino in Lignera (Saliceto), the fresco of Saint Apollonia in the Chapel of the Caldera Castle in Monesiglio, the Church of San Rocco in Levice, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine in Prunetto.
