Romanzo Meticcio

How can contemporary Italian identity be defined? Romanzo Meticcio examines the post-colonial condition of Italy as a fundamental element of contemporary life in the Bel Paese. 

In Davide Degano's research, the prefix “post” takes on a progressive historical value. The project establishes a link between the present, the colonial past, and the intranational and international waves of migration, inviting a critical attitude towards the imperialist and fascist legacies of the past and a careful analysis of their impact on contemporary society. 

The narrative created by the Italian state since its unification is based on the identification of places and people considered marginal. The suburbs, the south, minorities, second-generation Italians and the question of fascist ideology have not been openly addressed and discussed in an open public debate. 

The process of erasing colonial history has permeated Italian culture since the Second World War. Romanzo Meticcio aims to bring this past to light. It creates new imaginaries and cultural scenarios for the future by questioning Italian identity at its core.

This project was selected by Artphilein Editions to be awarded with the publication of this photobook as special prize within the Liquida Photofestival 2024 contest.