“Cruise vacations” by Vittorio Sancipriano is an exhibition that transcends mere documentation of the tragedies of migration across the Mediterranean, rejecting the portrayal of pain as a narrative tool.
Through compelling imagery and a quasi-satirical approach, Sancipriano provokes deep and critical reflection, navigating the complexity of contemporary narratives and the imperative to discern truth in a world saturated with information.
The exhibition begins with a concise narrative section. It draws from the author’s experiences as medical coordinator aboard quarantine and rescue ships for migrants, during five months spent off the coast of Lybia and Lampedusa. These images offer a visual glimpse that introduces the theme of migration in the Mediterranean.
In the heart of “Cruise Vacations”, Sancipriano’s work evolves beyond observation to interpretation, delving deeper into migration issues and uncovering a broader concern: the fragility of modern communication systems. In an era overwhelmed by information, distinguishing fact from fiction becomes a daunting task.
Through staged portraits, Sancipriano gives voice to the false propaganda of which we are both victims and accomplices:
“The news and the left tell us about stormy seas, freezing cold and children on board… Yes, look for yourself! I see bare-chested men, calm seas, headphones and mobile phones… I haven’t changed my mind: you come to Italy by respecting the rules, otherwise STOP”.
M.S.; Twitter, 27 January 2019
The portraits of refugees journeying by sea without genuine necessity evoke images of pleasure cruises and challenge conventional narratives. Irony emerges as a potent means to confront social and human realities. This stylistic choice not only questions our perceptions, but also compels critical interpretation of overwhelming information, fostering greater awareness.
The facsimile cards featuring identification photographs taken of migrants upon their arrival in Lampedusa by competent authorities depict a raw, objective reality contrasting sharply with the irony of the portraits.
Images of the sea, both aesthetically beautiful and majestic, juxtapose human fragility, approached with a hint of romanticism. The sea also symbolizes a physical and symbolic barrier, offering a deceptive promise of safe passage in calm weather and transforming into an implacable foe during storm. It embodies the uncertainty of migratory journeys, serving as a potent allegory for the human condition: of hope, fear and resilience.
The exhibition strives to surpass media clichés and simplifications, offering a nuanced, authentic perspective on a complex subject. It challenges traditional viewpoints, prompting introspection into the validity of personal beliefs and media influences on our understanding of reality.
[…]
‘’Men,
like grains of sand,
rise from the desert’s dunes.
Borne by the wind,
as far as the sea where,
stolen by its waves
they sink to rest along its bed;
unless
should a breath of air spare them
they fall still spent
to coat a waiting ship’s deck,
trodden,
before they take up flight again.’’
