The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
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Dec 2014 back issue
by Fabio Moscatelli
A house is a machine for living. (Le Corbusier)
The concept of home is beautifully expressed in this aphorism, seemingly so far away, yet so close.
A precious commodity, an absolute value for each individual; but how is the concept of home changing in this time of
deep economic crisis? In the collective imagination we associate the idea of home with apartments, villas, palaces,
castles, everything has always been a refuge, big or small, rich or poor.
Referring to the words of Le Corbusier, today the house is a machine for living, and my photographic research has led
me to investigate how many victims of the crisis, the new poor, are forced to reinvent the concept of home and
especially to live it, as you may never have imagined.
Caravans and even cars are the new homes of Italians who are no longer able to afford a roof, in the usual sense of
the word. But whatever its form, the ‘house’ is always the place where we go, where we find refuge from the outside, it
is and always will be the place we call home.
This is Tommaso, one of Italy’s new poor.
From the outside the campervan.
The beginning of a new day.
A moment of desperation.
Dinner time.
Its raining. The first winter in the campervan.
Daily activity for Tommaso.
Daily activity for Donatella.
It’s time to go out.
Tommaso is ill, suffering from diabetes.
Peace and tranquility in the campervan.
Remembering the past.
Happy birthday Tommaso.
Tommaso has a great past.
Just like a normal home.
Donatella works as a seamstress to earn some extra money.
The grandchildren - Donatella and Tommaso’s great wealth in life.
Walking with a faithful friend.
Time to sleep. Tomorrow is another day.
