Maura Banfo at Madeinfilandia 2017: Silence and Polaroid Diaries

In 2017, Maura Banfo engaged in the Madeinfilandia residency at Filanda di Pieve a Presciano, located in Arezzo, Italy. Centered on the theme of silence, Banfo's project, 'Variazioni senza tema' (Variations Without Theme), featured a collection of black-and-white Polaroid images captured from the same perspective at various times of the day, highlighting the shifts in light and shadow. She characterized the residency as a nurturing environment for listening through silence, where artists cohabited continuously, exchanging feelings and projects without rivalry. Banfo underscored the significance of authentic connections that extend beyond the fleeting nature of art events. The group included artists like Chiara Bettazzi, Stefano Boccalini, and others, with Banfo also photographing her fellow residents. Communal rituals, from morning coffee to shared dinners, enriched the experience, alongside the moon’s constant presence.