In an attempt to capture the essence and living atmosphere of a territory, photography offers a precious visual window, but video adds a level of depth and temporal flow that goes beyond a still shot. In 2010, when I embarked on my photographic journey to rediscover Basilicata, I sensed the limits of static images in conveying the warmth, wind, and voice of these places. From this impulse was born the web series Postcards from Basilicata.
Satriano di Lucania: The Village of Murals and the Rumita
This second video postcard is entirely dedicated to Satriano di Lucania, a fascinating village situated in the Lucanian Apennines, celebrated throughout Italy as the capital of murals. Walking through its streets means crossing an open-air art gallery: over 150 frescoes painted on house facades tell local legends, ancient crafts, and village life.
Satriano is also guardian to one of Europe's most archaic and evocative carnival rituals, centered around the figure of the Rumita (the hermit), a mysterious man-tree entirely covered in ivy leaves who wanders silently knocking on doors with a stick in exchange for an offering.
Through this video postcard, I sought to convey the visual and acoustic richness of this village: the vivid colors of the wall paintings, the warm and friendly gestures of its inhabitants, and the soundtrack blending with images to restore the soul of the place.
Satriano di Lucania is part of the slow journey path including:
Roberto Lacava