Benedetta Ristori

ISPA WINNERS 2023

SINGLE PHOTO

FINALIST

Within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, traditional agriculture and pastoralism play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of its ecosystems and preserving local heritage. These age-old practices not only contribute to the sustainable management of the park’s resources but also foster a deeper connection between human communities and the natural world. One of the standout practices in the park is pastoral transhumance, an ancient method of livestock management. This involves the seasonal movement of livestock between different altitudes, often between valleys and higher mountain pastures. This approach has deep historical roots in the region and is embedded in the cultural identity of local communities. Traditional agriculture and pastoralism are deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of the communities living around the park. These practices have been handed down from generation to generation, fostering a connection between human beings and their environment. Moreover, they help sustain rural economies, by preserving local jobs and livelihoods. They also maintain cultural heritage, foster a sense of identity, and support local economies. By embracing and supporting these traditional activities, the national park ensures a sustainable future where both nature and human communities can thrive.

Biography

Benedetta Ristori's photographic work focuses on the tension that exists between form and space. For the artist everyday objects and landscapes that are considered common become symbols, representing the connection between interiority and materiality. The external world is depicted through suspended atmospheres, with the focus primarily on subtraction and reduction to the essential. She mainly works in portrait and documentary photography, and uses long-term projects to analyze sociological issues. Examples include East (2015-2018), which was published in book form in 2018, Lay Off (2015-), Take Care (2018-2020), and You Don't Need Soil to Grow (2021-2023). Her work has appeared in exhibitions at: Le Scuderie del Quirinale, the Milan Triennale, Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Galerie Binome, the Plato Gallery and Si Fest, and is published in magazines such as La Repubblica, VICE, Bloomberg Businessweek, Die Zeit, Forbes, Document Journal, and Vogue Italia.

FINALISTS