The photographic project "Yes to All" by Mattia Micheli and Nicolò Panzieri stands as a critique and reinterpretation of the Alpine arc, an area traditionally enveloped in myth and purity.
Through their lens, Micheli and Panzieri not only document but also deconstruct the narrative of these landscapes, challenging the romanticism that has historically characterized our understanding of mountains. Their work resonates deeply with Jean Baudrillard's contemplation on the reinvention of the real as fiction, emphasizing the disappearance of authenticity in the face of human intervention.
Micheli and Panzieri's exploration into the anthropisation of the Alpine arc reveals a stark transformation driven by tourism and economic demands. This change is not merely physical but also symbolical, altering the essence and perception of the landscape. The artists' collection of images serves as a visual testament to this transition, showcasing the Alpine arc not as a remote sanctuary of natural wonder but as a commodified space, tailored to satisfy the entertainment needs of the masses.
The altered landscapes presented in "Yes to All" oscillate between the spectacular and the painful. There is a palpable sense of loss as the intrinsic values of the mountainous terrain are overshadowed by human desires for convenience and recreation. This transformation is likened to the metamorphosis of the Alpine arc into a large amusement park, where the unpredictability and challenges of nature are replaced with a homogenized and sanitized experience.
Micheli and Panzieri's work challenges viewers to reflect on the implications of such transformations. By juxtaposing the mythological character traditionally associated with these landscapes against the reality of their contemporary state, the photographers invite a reevaluation of our relationship with nature. They question the sustainability of imposing human needs on natural landscapes and the long-term consequences of such actions.
