A view of the Lungomare
the scenic shoreline of downtown Bari
POSTCARDS OF THE MEZZOGIORNO:
A PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAY OF SOUTHERN ITALY IN THE BARI AREA
Presented by Joseph M. Calisi
The International Transportation Photojournalist
The Italian American Museum at 155 Mulberry Street (corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets) in Manhattan presented “Postcards of the Mezzogiorno: A Photographic Essay of Southern Italy in the Bari Area.” Joseph M. Calisi, an International Transportation Photojournalist retraced places visited in his youth to capture the sun-splashed beauty of a region rarely seen by tourists. This photographic essay of Puglia, features the beauty of Southern Italy that extends beyond the cathedrals of Rome and the gondolas of Venice. Commentary will accompany the presentation as he explores how the subtle overlay of technology has been interwoven with the classic architecture that endures.
“Mezzogiorno” translated literally means ‘mid-day or noon’, and it is also used as to reference the Southern Italian region. Photographs of Bari, Mola di Bari, Alberobello, Cozze, Conversano, San Vito and Polignano in this presentation captures the magic of the towns including the traditional of the feast of St. Nicholas, held close in the hearts of the Baresi. In surrounding towns, century old homes and streets intermingle with modern palazzi, offering an insider’s perspective of the region. Traditional ways of life such as area farms, old buildings and open markets are juxtaposed with modern electrical equipment such as solar cells. Historical landmarks meet modern amenities in a curious mix where the populous absorbs the benefits of modern lifestyle but retains older values.
“Visiting Italy, retracing the steps of my youth, I still marvel at the architecture of the region, how many of the buildings and stores remained the same, yet technology appeared where I least expected it. A visit to the fish market for example showed one vendor using a scale with counterweights and another using an electronic scale. I looked to reconcile the memories I had of the streets, towns and markets and marveled at although much had changed; so much had stayed the same. I also enjoyed hearing the old dialect as I walked through the town. It was music to my ears,” says Joseph M. Calisi.
Joseph M. Calisi has been an International Transportation Photojournalist since 1993. He has contributed to the information world in print magazines and newspapers and electronic media TV reporter, radio broadcaster and as an expert in transportation systems around the world.
To sample additional works you may visit his website at www.josephmcalisiphotography.com.
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