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Il Poggio
Il Poggio
Clara Vannucci
April 6, 2023
In her Il Poggio project, Clara Vannucci concentrates on daily life at the College of the Poggio Imperiale – a public institution in Florence, where young people from around the world live and spend time. In our interview, the Italian photographer talks about daily life within the building’s hallowed walls, where Mozart played his first concert.
LFI: What was the initial idea behind this project – what exactly drove you to visit the College of the Poggio Imperiale?
I first visited the Poggio Imperiale on assignment. I was truly impressed by the architecture and history of the building, and I wanted to see more. I found the contrast between the contemporary lives of the teenage girls and the historic building they lived in very fascinating. I felt I wanted to tell and see more, to be able to document a place that is somewhat closed to the outside world, and the people who live there.
What impressions did the teenagers leave you with?
I could see some dynamics that reminded me of when I was one of them. Sometimes, I would recognize myself or some friends in certain behaviours, and it was very interesting to relive that period of my life through these girls' experiences. I find teenagers really interesting, how they deal with the world and with people as young adults. They still have to be defined, but at the same time their persona and character is built. The foreign students made me feel tender, because of the distance from their families. I guess it’s not easy living away from your family, especially at that age.
How did you manage to portray the students’ lives so authentically, without appearing intrusive?
This is a project that I have built up over time; like my relationship with the girls. Initially, I wasn’t very comfortable, because it took some time to understand the dynamics. But then over time I started to blend in with the space, and gradually they no longer noticed me. I was part of the place and this allowed me to not influence their actions or behaviours particularly.
What will you remember most from this project?
I will remember just the everyday scenes, like girls playing and joking with each other. Girls who face the joys and sorrows of those teenage years… and of girls that could be me with my friends.
Danilo RößgerLFI: What was the initial idea behind this project – what exactly drove you to visit the College of the Poggio Imperiale?
I first visited the Poggio Imperiale on assignment. I was truly impressed by the architecture and history of the building, and I wanted to see more. I found the contrast between the contemporary lives of the teenage girls and the historic building they lived in very fascinating. I felt I wanted to tell and see more, to be able to document a place that is somewhat closed to the outside world, and the people who live there.
What impressions did the teenagers leave you with?
I could see some dynamics that reminded me of when I was one of them. Sometimes, I would recognize myself or some friends in certain behaviours, and it was very interesting to relive that period of my life through these girls' experiences. I find teenagers really interesting, how they deal with the world and with people as young adults. They still have to be defined, but at the same time their persona and character is built. The foreign students made me feel tender, because of the distance from their families. I guess it’s not easy living away from your family, especially at that age.
How did you manage to portray the students’ lives so authentically, without appearing intrusive?
This is a project that I have built up over time; like my relationship with the girls. Initially, I wasn’t very comfortable, because it took some time to understand the dynamics. But then over time I started to blend in with the space, and gradually they no longer noticed me. I was part of the place and this allowed me to not influence their actions or behaviours particularly.
What will you remember most from this project?
I will remember just the everyday scenes, like girls playing and joking with each other. Girls who face the joys and sorrows of those teenage years… and of girls that could be me with my friends.
ALL IMAGES ON THIS PAGE: © Clara Vannucci
EQUIPMENT: Leica SL with Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 f/2.8–4
Clara Vannucci+-
Born in Italy in 1985, Vannucci first studied architecture before turning to photography on the criminal law system. She did an artist’s residency at Fabrica from 2012 to 2014. In addition to her work as a photographer for international magazines and newspapers, Vannucci teaches photography to inmates at the high security prison in Milan. More
