Assisi
Captured on film, a chair and the light within the residency house.
During a week-long residency in Assisi, Italy, this project explored the town’s unique atmosphere through the lens of black and white film photography and introspective poetry. Inspired by the surrounding landscapes and rich history, the project aimed to capture the essence of Assisi in a personal and evocative manner.
Methodology:
Black and white film photography: Captured horizons from various vantage points throughout Assisi, documenting the interplay of light and shadow, architectural details, and natural elements.
Poetry: Composed short, evocative poems inspired by the emotions and reflections elicited by each photographed location.
This was followed by an exhibition in 2024 in Assisi where the work was presented:
https://www.assisinews.it/cultura/inaugurata-la-assisi-international-contemporary-art-exhibition-2024-foto/
Assisi, once unknown, a distant past,
Now, here for artistic journey vast.
Strangely surreal, this endeavor’s start,
No tension grips, peace fills my heart.
This town, skyline, a fascination,
Here, concepts find new relation.
Hope begins to grow, its gentle hum,
In Assisi’s embrace, new paths begun.
Ascended high, the town unfolds below,
Sky to horizon, bathed in golden flow.
Climbing path, secrets tease the sight ahead,
Hilltop perch, a panorama spread.
Sketching figures, visitors here reside,
Does this vista’s magic touch hearts inside?
On the far side, opposite basilica’s sight,
Another basilica, defining town’s might.
A city square here, a bustling domain,
Uphill the town unfolds, picturesque chain.
From creative eye, captivated by this scene,
Gazing upward, with awestruck dream.
Different perspective, akin to skyscraper view,
Yet, not daunting, a vista so true.
I return often, despite not city’s core,
Glad for it, witnessed sunset’s grandeur soar.
Mesmerising dusk, this end of town’s delight,
A sight to cherish, in fading light.
Every nook, a glimpse of sky,
Horizon’s touch, never shy.
Even the skyline, gracefully blends,
With distant horizon, where it extends.
Is it the town, perched high?
Atop the hill, reaching for the sky.
Can this harmony be a jest?
An ironic twist, in nature’s test.
Took me a day or two to arrive,
The basilica, hub of this heritage hive.
Amidst the chaos, a serene charm,
Perhaps the bustling calm, or the city’s disarm.
A morning stroll, or evening’s glow,
To bask in the sunset’s tranquil show.
This cozy café, with terrace seats,
Sipping tea or aperol, solitude greets.
Alone, yet surrounded, by smiles and chatter,
In this sanctuary, where moments matter.
A simple delight, a confident decree,
Content in this haven, just to be.
In this chair, where I’ve yet to rest,
Merely watched the light’s gentle quest.
Each day, its glow in varied guise,
Shifting shades before my eyes.
In this hill town, time gently cascades,
Light and shadow in harmonious parades.
The tower’s chime, its steady beat,
Every half hour, a melody sweet.
A week of simply being here,
No rush, no aim, no need to steer.
But now, the distant city’s call,
I must heed, though I stall.
Yet in my heart, a yearning grows,
For moments where time’s rhythm slows.
To linger longer, to simply be,
In tranquil, timeless reverie.
Bansi 