PEOPLE OF THE PALIO

"People of the Palio" is a project I completed while studying at the Siena Institute of Art in Siena, Italy. The Palio is a horse race that takes place every single year. Siena is divided into neighborhoods, otherwise known as Contradas. Each of the 17 Contradas has a mascot (i.e. dolphin, dragon, goose, etc.), recognizable flag, songs, chants, and ritual practices of their own. There is a rich history of tradition, culture, and community of the Contradas. Only 10/17 can participate in the century-old race every year. This work is comprised of the photographs I took at the "Extrazione" where the entire city gathers in the Piazza Del Campo to witness the Contrada lottery to see if they are lucky enough to compete. This was unlike anything I have ever seen and the raw emotion and sense of community inspired me and this piece. I arranged the pictures in the shape of the racecourse through the Piazza and created the center canvas to symbolize the emotion and physicality that comes with the race. Below you will find my final project and the images I gathered to make it all possible.