Cultural motifs emerge from our symbols and beliefs, carrying hidden meanings woven into our experiences. The Sibillini Mountains are rich in narratives closely tied to the figure of the Apennine Sibyl. Prophetess, friend of the people, Madonna, pagan deity, personification of evil—she embodies the place’s inherent ambiguity. The project focuses on the area from Amandola to Arquata del Tronto, known for stories by Barberino, Antoine de la Sale, and Joyce Lussu. Its aim is to analyze a collective memory influenced by cultural forces preserved through late industrialization and the layering of traditions and legends. The testimonies offer insights into magic, historical knowledge, religion, community, and ritual practices related to the territory.
Sofia Gastaldo (2003) is an Italian photographer and filmmaker based in Padua. She graduated from the Jack London Photography School and is currently pursuing a degree in Sociology at the University of Padua. In 2024, her project “Sibyllae” has been exhibited at “Fotografia Europea” for the “Speciale Diciotto-venticinque” and at “Festival della Fotografia Italiana” in the “Nuovi Sguardi” section. Her research focuses on collective imagination reinterpreted through sociological lenses.
IG: @gastaldo.sofia
