Per Rimanere Qui and the accompanying sculptural installation Le Mani explore the effects of Southern Italian emigration through an in-depth study of those who remain in a small town in Calabria, Monasterace Superiore. Through images of both the people and of their weathered hands, this project explores concepts of hard work, persistence, and strength. These people and their stories are the epitome of how to maintain grace and dignity through hardship, loneliness, and the omnipresence of death and loss around you. A book was made of all 52 photos and includes an essay regarding the project. You can view it here or contact Calcagno Cullen directly to purchase a copy.
An installation was also made as a public offering to Monasterace. The installation, made from molds of the public hands that were created during a public workshop in my studio, was originally up in the Grande Catoio, Add’u Paddizzu and open for the public to view and find their own hands in the sculpture.
