The Dianara

Behind your head

2022, 70 x 105 cm

"The Dianara" explores the hidden, unobserved aspects of our lives—emotions and stories that often pass unnoticed yet profoundly shape us. The project was inspired by a recent tragedy where a mother, condemned as a "monster" for killing her child, prompted me to reflect on how society labels women who defy rigid expectations of caregiving and sacrifice.

This led me to the figure of the Janara, a witch from the folklore of my birthplace in central Italy. By day, the Janara is a devoted mother and wife, but by night, she transforms, seeking revenge on those who wrong her, often harming children or pregnant women. This duality symbolizes the unspoken, feared parts of femininity—desires, anger, and emotions that exist beyond traditional roles.

The Janara is not just one figure; she represents a universal experience. She speaks to the hidden sides of all of us—what remains unseen until it surfaces in conflict or pain. My work invites viewers to notice the Janara in the details, the unsaid, and the overlooked moments of daily life.

"The Dianara" is a call to confront what is hidden and feared, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

Group Exhibition, Milano, 2022

Clic.hé - Webmagazine di fotografia e realtà visuale, November issue, 2024