Ci Vediamo Presto

"Ci Vediamo Presto" is a deeply personal exploration of my familial lineage and history on my father’s side, rooted in the small town of Trofarello in Northern Italy. My father emigrated to the United States after marrying my mother, but my sisters and I spent our childhood summers returning to Italy, fostering a profound connection to a place that felt like a second home. As we grew older, those visits became less frequent, yet the memories endured, tethering us to our heritage despite the physical distance.

This project took shape following the loss of my Nonno in 2020 and deepened after the passing of my Nonna in December of 2024. Through contemporary photography and archival imagery, this project explores themes of loss, memory, and the enduring power of familial bonds. It reflects on my grandparents’ lives, including my Nonna’s battle with Alzheimer’s since 2019, and examines the complexities of family relationships across generations.

The title "Ci Vediamo Presto" has evolved in meaning after my Nonna’s passing. What was once a simple expression of farewell ("we will see each other soon") has become a symbol of spiritual hope. It now carries the belief in the possibility of reunion beyond physical distance, evoking not only the love and longing shared within my family but also a deeper spiritual connection, with the hope of being reunited in the afterlife. This shift underscores the central theme of my work: the enduring bonds of family and the belief in a connection that transcends both time and space.

This body of work captures a longing for connection in the face of time and distance, seeking to preserve what might otherwise fade. It is a poignant meditation on lineage, love, and the fragile yet enduring threads that tie us to our past.