A photography book on the Serchio Valley which was was presented last year in the Auditorium della Fondazione Banca del Monte in Lucca by the president of the bank – Alberto Del Carlo and the senatore Andrea Marcucci will be presented tomorrow in Milan – special guest Ellen Hidding.
The book features images by the photographer Alessandro Puccinelli, text by Gilberto Bedini and edited by Alessandro Stefani.
The 200 page book has images taken from right across the Serchio Valley and has been a work in progress lasting 18 months with the photographer Alessandro Puccinelli taking many thousands of images of people, landscapes and the dramatic changes of light which occur in this area on a daily basis.
Regular readers of giornaledibarganews might just remember an article about Alessandro Puccinelli back in 2010 when he first arrived in this area (article here) we said then that he was looking for locations to shoot – today some of those locations featured in his book and the accompanying exhibition in the Banca del Monte di Lucca Piazza San Martino 4. Barga Vecchia and many of the residents taking prime position. The exhibition will be open until the end of October.
“Between the wild and bristling peaks of the Apuan Alps and the soft forms of the Apennines lies a valley watered by a river, the Serchio, that is impetuous and playful at its source, placid and meandering in its journey towards the sea”.
Particolarmente soddisfatto del prodotto editoriale Alessandro Stefani, curatore del libro.
“Volevamo raccontare la poesia di una terra che è riuscita a conservare la sua originalità senza perdere lo slancio per l’innovazione- spiega- una sfida complicata ma che in Valle del Serchio può essere vinta. Foto e testi accompagnano la scoperta delle tante particolarità di questi luoghi. Mi auguro che sia un invito alla riflessione e allo stesso tempo al viaggio, stati d’animo che qui trovano la loro collocazione ideale”
The Serchio Valley is part of the province of Lucca, and streches from the North Western part of Tuscany, North of Pisa and North West of Florence to the South of Lucca. It proudly gathers an exceptional number of ancient small villages, torrents – the name of the valley comes from the Serchio river that crosses the entire area with thousands streams creating deep canyons.. Thus, the Serchio Valley stands for culture, nature, art and history and is becoming the perfect hideaway for couples, families or friends and especially for foodlovers thanks to several Slow-Food Presidio restaurants and products.
Furthermore, there is a wide range of sport activities, such as rafting, cross biking, horseback riding, caving excursions and much more that can be practiced in the Serchio Valley and especially within the Il Ciocco Estate, a big compound founded in the 1960’s by the Marcucci family.
The book wants to showcase an uncontaminated and still unknown part of Tuscany, with stunning landscapes, unspoiled nature and true historic treats, such as the romantic village of Barga, where wellknown poet Giovanni Pascoli chose to live; or Borgo a Mozzano, known for the Devil’s bridge (Ponte del Diavolo), built in the 14th century and famous for its beautiful arches; or Bagni di Lucca appreciated for its hot springs that already the Romans appreciated. This city was an important hang out in Renaissance times, and saw a wide development in 1800 when many distinguished artists, such as Pascoli, Carducci, Montale, Dumas, Byron, Shelley and Puccini among others spent time there.
The book “Lands of Tuscany: The Serchio Valley” can be ordered through Amazon. – source – il ciocco
Alessandro Puccinelli
I was born in 1969 and my earliest professional experience dates back to 1993 when I moved to Australia, where I worked within the framework of advertising photography. In 2001, my first work “Quotidiano” won the Polaroid International Awards. Since then I have decided to focus on the Ocean as the main subject of my work, using a more “loose and free” style. The Sea and its Waves, described by Jack London as “the knights of the infinite sea army” bear simplicity, elegance, power and freedom. I have found again these virtues by walking in the woods of these mountains during the making of this book.
Awards, Shows and Books
2001 Polaroid International awards, 1st prize In Europe
2001 Published Vino Italiano, Random House nyc
2002 Published “L’Anima del Vino” by Sapori della Toscana
2005 Show in Sao Paulo Brazil
2007 Black and White Spider Awards, 3rd Place in Fine arts
2008 Black and White Spider Awards, Honorable Mention in Still Lifes
2009 Sony World Photography Awards, Shortlisted in Fine Art-Landscape
2009 Collective at Crane Kalman Gallery, Brighton England
2010 Black and White Spider Awards, Honorable Mention
2010 IPA Awards, Honorable Mention
2010 Environmental Photographer of the year, 2nd Place
2011 Sony World Photography Awards, Shortlisted in two categories
2011 Collective at Iris Gallery, Boston
2011 IPA Awards, Honorable Mention in Fine Art-Landsdcape