Reggio Calabria: The Strait of Messina Between Myth and Modernity
Mauro Francesco Minervino reflects on the Strait of Messina as a site of myth, history, and contemporary tragedy. The article begins with a 1940 National Geographic photograph depicting cattle transport across the strait, evoking timeless Mediterranean imagery. Minervino contrasts this with the strait's role in Stefano D'Arrigo's novel 'Horcynus Orca', where the protagonist 'Ndrja Cambrìa dies during a crossing in 1943. The piece then shifts to present-day devastation: migrant drownings and unchecked cementification that disfigures the landscape. Published in Artribune Magazine #64, the essay weaves together personal memory, literary reference, and environmental critique.
Key facts
- The article references a March 1940 National Geographic photo of the Strait of Messina from the Calabrian coast.
- Stefano D'Arrigo's novel 'Horcynus Orca' narrates the death of sailor 'Ndrja Cambrìa in the strait on October 4, 1943.
- The author describes contemporary migrant drownings and urban sprawl as a 'war' against the landscape.
- The piece was published in Artribune Magazine #64.
- Mauro Francesco Minervino is an anthropologist who taught at DAMS, University of Calabria.
- The article contrasts the strait's mythological past (Ulysses, Scilla, Cariddi) with its current degradation.
- Giulia Ticozzi's photographic series 'The Third Island' (2015) is cited, curated by Antonio Ottomanelli.
- The strait is described as a 'sea-world' containing origin and apocalypse.
Entities
Artists
- Mauro Francesco Minervino
- Stefano D'Arrigo
- Giulia Ticozzi
- Antonio Ottomanelli
Institutions
- National Geographic
- Artribune Magazine
- DAMS Università della Calabria
Locations
- Reggio Calabria
- Messina
- Strait of Messina
- Calabria
- Sicily
- Camden Antique Market
- London
- Paola
- Cosenza
- Villa San Giovanni
- Cannitello