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Al Limite della Regola - At the limit of the rules In various contexts, rules are put in place to establish order, maintain consistency, or provide a framework for individuals or groups to follow. However, there are often situations or circumstances where these rules may not fully address every scenario or may need to be questioned, stretched, or adapted. This is where the concept of being "at the limit of the rule" comes into play in Basilicata. This multimedia installation, which focuses on the Lucani, a community from Basilicata, Italy, explores their beliefs and ceremonial practices, which have been shaped by interactions with abandonment, lack of economic growth, and social progress. The investigation delves into the conservation of identity, and it examines the crisis of presence or identity, where the fear of losing what is familiar restricts individuals. In today’s context, the depopulation and the repercussions of the oil industry, manifest as a fear of disappearance. The absence of adequate infrastructure, education, recreational opportunities, and employment prospects contributes to a desire to escape. The figure symbolises the presence, inspired by Ernesto De Martino's crisis of presence concept. Which represents a psychological and existential condition in which individuals experience a disconnection from their identity, meaning and sense of belonging. And for De Martino, myths and rituals serve as "devices" or "techniques" that offer effective modes of operation. They provide individuals with a framework to make sense of their experiences and navigate the complexities of life. Lighting in the video symbolizes an ancestral ritual practised to ward off bad weather. I came to know a story about one of my Great Old Ancestors who was known to be a magician, even able to generate thunders strikes from his hands. He was one of the few to know the conjuration of protection against bad weather. Farmers like him used to explain the bad weather as something imposed by a person and sent on the lands. Dark and full of rain that used to reach the field during the harvest days with the result of making the harvest difficult and even spoiling part of it. Without harvest, the small communities could face the risk of starvation with the consequence of a high risk of survival. Inside these clouds, they say that there is a priest who is meant to curse and destroy the harvest of a whole year of work. Basilicata's musical heritage runs deep. Within my family, it's a cherished presence. We embrace folkloric tunes, brought to life by Giuseppe De Canio, Emanuela De Canio, Stefano Volini, and me. Stefano produced the music, I penned a poem, transformed by Emanuela into lyrics. Guided by our father Giuseppe, we mastered the Picerno dialect's pronunciation. His accordion's tarantella inaugurated the song, a nod to the tradition which then change into a new age taranta song. my sister and I lent our voices, choosing to sing in dialect, honouring our roots. |
