Matera is one of the oldest cities on Earth. pre-dating the Pyramids and even Newgrange, this place holds an ancient memory, as well as all the trappings of modernity as we know it. The Sassi area of Matera, which is a network of cave dwellings carved out of a deep ravine, was until the 1950s one of the longest continually inhabited spaces anywhere. However rampant poverty, disease, lack of amenities and sanitation saw Matera become ''the shame of Italy''. A government initiative at this time relocated locals to more modern accommodation and the Sassi was left to rot, later to be re-inhabited and repurposed for tourism.
Bronwyn Andrews visually investigates this city in her TLP Edition Matera, questioning the cultural legacy of the Sassi now that Matera is one of two European Capitals for Culture in 2019.
For those that are not familiar with the project, TLP Editions is an ongoing collection, produced and designed by PhotoIreland, that presents work by contemporary artists in the form of uncomplicated publications. These are available through The Library Project in-store and online. All and any funds generated by the project go to producing more copies of the publications, ensuring we can keep promoting the artists and practices represented. These editions are regularly showcased and donated to international events and festivals, such as the Icelandic Photography Festival recently. In addition, TLP Editions also grace some important shelves and collections, including that of the Hasselblad Foundation Library and the Martin Parr Foundation.
You can find a list of all the TLP Editions here.
PhotoIreland is kindly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland to develop support projects such as the TLP Editions.
Published by PhotoIreland
Edition of 200
Softcover
36 pages
148 × 210 mm
