ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Alessia Rollo's 'Altera Italia' Reimagines Southern Italy Through Visual Anthropology

publication · 2026-04-14

Alessia Rollo, an Italian photographer, unveils 'Altera Italia,' a visual and anthropological exploration of Southern Italy that confronts existing stereotypes. Released by Miracoli Visivi, this book reimagines the Mezzogiorno, drawing on historical portrayals from the 1950s and 1960s. Rollo's initiative aims to challenge outdated narratives by reclaiming historical archives and modifying images from anthropological studies. The project features a fresh collection of photographs focused on contemporary rituals in Southern Italy, encouraging viewers to engage with the celebrations through visual cues. Ultimately, 'Altera Italia' aspires to decolonize perceptions of Southern Italy, highlighting the interplay between humanity and nature while offering a nuanced interpretation of the region.

Key facts

  • Alessia Rollo is an Italian photographer
  • The project is titled 'Altera Italia'
  • It has been published as a book by Miracoli Visivi
  • The work examines Southern Italy's rituals and collective memories
  • Historical research references Ernesto De Martino's anthropological work
  • The project includes interventions on archival photographs from 1950s-1960s expeditions
  • New photographs document contemporary rituals still practiced in Southern Italy
  • The work aims to decolonize perspectives on Southern Italian culture

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Miracoli Visivi

Locations

  • Italy
  • Southern Italy

Sources