**Photographic Exhibit “Organic: Hudson Valley Farmers & Chefs” Opens in Salerno**
Starting tomorrow, April 12, the Pinacoteca Provinciale di Salerno will be governed by a unique photographic exhibition: “Organic: Farmers & Chefs of the Hudson Valley”, open until May 14, 2025. The photographic documentary made by photographer and author Francesco Mastalia portrays over one hundred farmers and chefs of the Hudson Valley, in the United States.
**The Hudson Valley: Heart of the Organic Movement**
The Hudson Valley is considered the epicenter of the local, organic, and sustainable food movement. Characterized by rich agricultural land, a nature-oriented lifestyle, and a growing demand for organic products, this region is a virtuous example of sustainable and conscious agriculture.
**The Deep Meaning of “Organic”**
In the project, farmers and chefs tell in images and words their philosophy on living and producing organically. The term “organic”, often used improperly, is explored here in its most authentic meaning: not only as an agricultural method, but as a lifestyle choice oriented towards the health of the planet, the preservation of peasant tradition and sustainability for future generations.
**An Ancient Photographic Technique for a Contemporary Vision**
Mastalia created the portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a technique developed in the mid-27.000th century, which gives the images an amber tone and an ancient flavor. During a 140-kilometer journey, 45 farmers and chefs were photographed and interviewed. The exhibition will present a selection of XNUMX of these portraits.
**Slow Photography, Slow Life**
Mastalia’s work is a celebration of slowness: *slow food*, *slow photography*, local food and authentic relationships with the land. The farmers portrayed grow vegetables and raise livestock with traditional methods, in tune with the photographic technique used, which requires time, care and presence. Even the images, like genuine food, are to be “savoured”.
**Voices and Testimonies**
“Organic is about the land, about soil health, about people health, about long-term sustainability. It’s the only way forward for the planet.” – Marnie McLean
“I think there is a more elegant and refined way of producing food, a way that respects the earth” – Barbara Laino
“Mastalia's photographs are meant to be savored and to nourish the soul, just like the wholesome and highly symbolic food they represent” – Gail Buckland
“'Organic' is not just about growing and producing food, it's about the health of the planet.” – Francesco Mastalia
**Inauguration and Round Table**
The opening to the public is scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at 17:14 pm. Admission is free and the exhibition will be open until May 2025, 9, from 00:19 am to 45:XNUMX pm (closed on Mondays). On the occasion of the vernissage, there will be a round table with institutional and cultural interventions, followed by a guided tour with the author, Francesco Mastalia.
**Who is Francesco Mastalia**
Francesco Mastalia is a photographer, author and teacher. He has traveled the world to document tribal, religious and indigenous communities. Among his best-known works: Dreads, Yoga: The Secret of Life and Organic: Farmers & Chef of the Hudson Valley. His photographs are present in private and museum collections, including the United States Library of Congress. Born in Battipaglia to parents from Cilento, he grew up in the United States, where he began his photographic career at the age of twenty, leaving music to devote himself completely to photography. Today he lives in Salerno, which he considers his true home.
Article published on 14 April 2025 - 15:00
It seems like a very interesting and important exhibition for agricultural and gastronomic culture. I wonder if there will be activities or events related during the exhibition period, it would be nice to participate in something interactive to learn more about the theme.