The photography project “We Are Italians in New York” was born from the desire to tell stories of courage, sacrifice, and determination: tales of Italians who left everything behind to cross the ocean in pursuit of the American Dream. Through a series of black-and-white photographic portraits, the project seeks to honor and preserve the memory of those who have faced immense challenges to build a new life in New York, turning hardships and sacrifices into success and personal achievement.
The choice of black and white photography is deliberate: it evokes the essence of memory, lending the images a depth that simultaneously recalls the past and looks toward the future. This style captures not only the faces of the protagonists but also the essence of their stories, creating an ideal bridge between what was and what will be. Each portrait, with its intensity and intimacy, narrates the strength of those who dared to dream and build, often starting with very little but an immense sense of hope.
The project is not just a tribute to the Italian community in New York but also an invitation to reflect on universal values like resilience and the desire for redemption. It aims to move and inspire, showing how determination and hard work can transform dreams into reality. It is a celebration of Italian identity in the American continent and a testimony to how a culture can integrate into a new land while maintaining an unbroken connection to its roots.
“We Are Italians in New York” is not simply a collection of photographs but a profound human and social journey. Each image is accompanied by the subject’s personal story—a narrative that enriches the portrait with words of hope, struggle, and success. This project is designed to touch the hearts of present and future generations, ensuring that the memory of those who built their dreams far from home, with courage and determination, will not be forgotten.
New York, with its unique allure, becomes the perfect stage for this narrative: a city of endless possibilities but also formidable challenges. For many Italians, it has been the place where the American Dream came to life, turning them into protagonists of a success story that deserves to be told and passed down.
However, this project would not be complete without your contribution.
I invite anyone who knows Italians currently living or who have lived this extraordinary experience—the pursuit of the American Dream—to share their stories with me. You might know entrepreneurs, artists, professionals, or individuals who, with humility and determination, are transforming or have transformed their dreams into reality. Each story is a precious piece that enriches this collection of “lives,” giving space and voice to those who deserve to be celebrated.
With your support, “We Are Italians in New York” can continue to grow, becoming a vibrant and living archive of hope, success, and Italian identity in the heart of New York. Together, we can tell and preserve these stories so they may continue to inspire and motivate today’s and tomorrow’s generations.
