Source: Graduate Photography Online - 2014 - University of South Wales, Newport

Ostacoli di Vita

This work considers notions of boundaries relating to the immigrant Italian family in Wales. Images of physical barriers such as walls and gates become self-preserving metaphors for traditional Italian cultural values within communities. The journey of my Father's family is typical of many that came to Wales from Italy before the Second World War to escape poverty they faced in their homeland. Whilst Wales offered many opportunities, the War intervened and today older generations remember the difficulties and prejudices they faced. Consequently, many families set about protecting and preserving values inherent to their cultural identity for the following generations. This then raises questions of internality and externality; how families see themselves in relation to the way others - outsiders - see them.

‘The Dog at the Gate’ - Alessandro Polledri - University of South Wales, Newport ‘The Old Defences’ - Alessandro Polledri - University of South Wales, Newport ‘Newest Addition to the Walls’ - Alessandro Polledri - University of South Wales, Newport ‘The Old Gates’ - Alessandro Polledri - University of South Wales, Newport ‘The Extended Wall’ - Alessandro Polledri - University of South Wales, Newport