Sogni = Dreams

[Gianluca Drago]

I was there the day before yesterday, in this town in the area of the Po river delta, called Tresigallo, which was completely rebuilt from 1930 onwards with rationalist architecture, as was the case then for the so-called foundation towns. It would probably make a good set for a Wes Anderson film.

One building bears the inscription ‘SOGNI’ on its roof, which literally means ‘dreams’, but originally the inscription was ‘BISOGNI’ (bodily needs) and stood for the building where the public toilets were located, or so the narrative goes. The monosyllable ‘BI’ has been lost in the course of history, has taken flight and is still looking for a place to land.

 

[Peter Roberts]

As you say, Gianluca, very Wes Anderson.
I had to look up Tresigallo. Such an interesting piece of history of which I knew nothing. A dream that ended up badly.
My favourite shot is the shabby building with the flock of birds. Lots of interesting textures in that one.

 

[Gianluca Drago]

As you say, Gianluca, very Wes Anderson.
I had to look up Tresigallo. Such an interesting piece of history of which I knew nothing. A dream that ended up badly.
My favourite shot is the shabby building with the flock of birds. Lots of interesting textures in that one.

Thank you for your comment, Peter. Greatly appreciated.

 

[Aaron Quinn]

You captured the interesting architecture nicely! I also agree with Peter on that photo, the birds really add to it.

 

[Gianluca Drago]

You captured the interesting architecture nicely! I also agree with Peter on that photo, the birds really add to it.

Thank you, Aaron! The town is really interesting and perhaps more so today than in the days when it was planned, because at least we can look at it with disenchanted eyes, not tied to the ideology of that period. I did not know Tresigallo before, but on Saturday a comment on Facebook had pointed it out to me and so on Sunday I went there quickly because the sun sets early. I am sure that in another season and with more daylight hours available one could find opportunities for more interesting photos. To photograph the flock of birds, I had to wait a while for them to take flight and make a few rounds around the area. Unfortunately from that photo I realised that the sensor is again full of dust and I will have to resort to vacuuming again.

 

[Gianluca Drago]

They say that dreams are black and white. It doesn't seem that way to me, but never mind. Some more Tresigallo.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I love all these photos, but especially the colour shots. Here colour is an important element in the story.

I don’t know why you have doubts about your photography skills, Gianluca. I see no reason to think that here.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

PS The fourth shot reminds me of the paintings by Giorgio de Chirico.

 

[Gianluca Drago]

I love all these photos, but especially the colour shots. Here colour is an important element in the story.

I don’t know why you have doubts about your photography skills, Gianluca. I see no reason to think that here.

Thank you for your words of comfort, Rob, and I am glad you like this photo series. I fully agree with you that in this case the presence of colour is a determining factor not only on the aesthetic side, but also to fully understand the nature and history of these works.

 

[Gianluca Drago]

PS The fourth shot reminds me of the paintings by Giorgio de Chirico.

When speaking of Tresigallo, reference is often made to Giorgio De Chirico and the metaphysical painting of his time. Tresigallo itself is often referred to as ‘’The Metaphysical Town‘’.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I did not know that. Interesting!

 

[Brian Moore]

I don’t know why you have doubts about your photography skills, Gianluca. I see no reason to think that here.

I agree with Rob, Gianluca. Wonderful set of images. (Not too sure about "BI" SOGNI. The word Sogni looks too perfectly centered on the roof.)

 

[Gianluca Drago]

The word Sogni looks too perfectly centered on the roof

I am not sure myself. Perhaps the inscription has been repositioned in recent times? Who knows?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

“The monosyllable ‘BI’ has been lost in the course of history, has taken flight and is still looking for a place to land.”

Must be a biplane.

 

[Len Philpot]

For some reason* the third color image really evoked a half-forgotten but strong memory of some of the album artwork from "Tommy" by The Who. I don't have the album (anymore) and I can't find the image online. But I seem to recall there are two illustrations of a building (possibly an amusement / fun fair type of structure?) -- One in its prime and the other decrepit and crumbling. I seem to recall it had a 3-D alphabetic sign of some sort along the top of a rounded corner. Very Art Deco, but very surreal nonetheless.

* Possibly this part of the photo is what did it? It's really interesting how the brain can be triggered.

 

[Gianluca Drago]

For some reason* the third color image really evoked a half-forgotten but strong memory of some of the album artwork from "Tommy" by The Who. I don't have the album (anymore) and I can't find the image online. But I seem to recall there are two illustrations of a building (possibly an amusement / fun fair type of structure?) -- One in its prime and the other decrepit and crumbling. I seem to recall it had a 3-D alphabetic sign of some sort along the top of a rounded corner. Very Art Deco, but very surreal nonetheless.

* Possibly this part of the photo is what did it? It's really interesting how the brain can be triggered.

View attachment 20930

Unfortunately, I do not have the image you are talking about, Len, but maybe someone else here can help you retrieve it.