Vincenzo Pagliuca, an Italian photographer, embarks on a journey through the Apennines from central Lazio to the southern regions of Italy in search of unique, abandoned houses. These solitary homes have become a common sight in rural Italy, reflecting the declining populations in many regions of the country.
From a young age, Pagliuca has been drawn to empty and lonely houses scattered throughout the Italian countryside. Armed with an analog film camera, he captures these structures in his series called “mónos,” inspired by the ancient Greek word for alone, unique, or singular. Pagliuca seeks out specific lighting conditions, often photographing these stone, concrete, and timber houses during the winter and at sunrise.
The isolated houses captured in Pagliuca’s photographs serve as symbols of dream and meditation, prompting viewers to contemplate the significance of a home for the human psyche. Despite their small, faded, and sometimes quirky appearances, these structures stand out against the backdrop of mountainous landscapes and country roads, offering glimpses into past lives while remaining eerily devoid of current inhabitants.
Pagliuca’s series “mónos” has been compiled into a book by Hartmann, with copies still available for purchase. For more of Pagliuca’s work, visit his website and Instagram profile. The photographs showcase the beauty and melancholy of these abandoned homes, inviting viewers to reflect on the passage of time and the stories embedded within these solitary structures.
As you delve into Pagliuca’s evocative images, you may find yourself transported to a world where the past and present merge, where solitude and beauty intertwine in the forgotten corners of rural Italy. Explore the haunting allure of these abandoned houses through the lens of Vincenzo Pagliuca and experience the poignant narratives they silently whisper to those who pause to listen.
