And so begins the collection of the Ex Urban series, with “Men’s Land”. I chose to kick-off with these three pictures for conceptual reasons, and not because they were the first to be shot. The whole idea of the project had already been on my mind for some time, so it seems only natural to start with a series which, more than any other, represents the true essence of both the crane and humanity. The first is an instrument with a special function which is part of mankind from the times of ancient Mesopotamia: that of overcoming the obstacles, using the sky, giving shape to constructions and, more importantly, striving to the evolution.
This means also climbing and, despite all the difficulties, pursuing a human journey. A men’s land, precisely. Therefore, the series originates as a tribute to our old building friend, the crane, but also as a constant reflection on human ambition as a community and as individuals. A symbol, a flag, a revolution, a statement or a consecration which, in every age, poses the question of our momentum, the need to accept the natural and social obstacles to then look up and find the “crane” to do it.
Every shot of “Men’s Land” narrates exactly this: feeling the action of humans, pushing the limits and the disillusioned or heroic responsibility on the destiny of men, as men.
