Vincenzo Pagliuca's 'Bunker' Documents WWII Fortifications in South Tyrol
Hartmann Books has released 'Bunker,' a hardcover photography collection by Vincenzo Pagliuca that delves into the World War II fortifications located in South Tyrol, Italy. Constructed by the Fascist government along the border, these bunkers were under military jurisdiction until 1993. After World War I, Italy annexed South Tyrol in 1919; this area, once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is predominantly German-speaking. Pagliuca's photographs showcase concrete bunkers, some embedded in mountainsides and now enveloped in vegetation. These images serve as poignant reminders of military history and nationalist ideology. Having previously focused on northern Italian architecture, Pagliuca's 'Bunker' also explores the structures’ connection to their Alpine environment. The book can be purchased from the publisher's store.
Key facts
- Hartmann Books published Vincenzo Pagliuca's hardcover book 'Bunker.'
- The project documents WWII fortifications in South Tyrol, Italy's northernmost province.
- Italy annexed South Tyrol in 1919 after World War I; it was previously part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- The Fascist Italian regime built the bunkers along the northern border, which the military controlled until 1993.
- South Tyrol borders Switzerland and Austria in the Alps and has a largely German-speaking population.
- The bunkers include freestanding concrete masses with domed shapes and thick walls, as well as structures carved into mountainsides.
- Pagliuca's earlier project 'Mónos' highlighted the vernacular of diminutive Apennine homes.
- A publisher statement calls the bunkers a difficult legacy of nationalist ideology and unresolved conflict in Central Europe.
Entities
Artists
- Vincenzo Pagliuca
- Antoni Gaudí
Institutions
- Hartmann Books
- Colossal
Locations
- South Tyrol
- Italy
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Alps
- Central Europe
- Apennines
- Anterselva
- Malles-Glorenza
- Rienza-Naz-Sciaves
- Passo Monte Croce
- Perca
- Dobbiaco