Lavinia Parlamenti / Manfredi Pantanella: The Lines We Draw
The Lines We Draw is a thought-provoking photographic exploration by Lavinia Parlamenti and Manfredi Pantanella, self-published in October 2024. The project delves into the paradox of territories that have declared independence yet remain unrecognized—or only partially acknowledged—by the international community. Centering its research on the physical, historical, cultural, and political realities of these regions, the book examines how both personal and national identities are formed.
Focusing on five unrecognized territories—the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), the Republic of Artsakh, the Pridnestrovian Moldovian Republic (commonly known as Transnistria), and the Republic of Catalonia—the project poses a fundamental question: In an era when traditional borders—be they genetic, linguistic, cultural, economic, fiscal, or gender-based—are continually being redefined, how do we truly construct and understand identity?
Through a series of evocative images, the book embarks on an imaginary journey across complex, real-world landscapes. On one level, it investigates the intimate aspects of personal identity: the circumstances of our birth, the rites of passage that shape our lives, the names and familial bonds that accompany us, and even the ways in which we are remembered after death. On another, it explores the foundational elements of national identity—local territories, indigenous flora and fauna, historical landmarks, administrative and cultural sites, culinary traditions, musical heritage, folklore, and prominent personalities.
Designed by Ania Nalecka-Milach, the book interweaves these diverse contexts, creating a dialogue that transcends the singular experiences of individual territories. By breaking the lines imposed by both official and unofficial authorities, The Lines We Draw challenges established codes and invites viewers to appreciate the fluid, hybrid nature of identity in a world where borders are constantly redrawn. In essence, this photographic project is both a visual journey and a powerful artistic statement on the enduring, yet ever-evolving, resilience of cultural and personal expression.
About the Authors
Lavinia Parlamenti
“Perfection makes me uncomfortable, because I perceive it as illusory. Instead, I feel at home and I get excited when, in my exploration of reality, I come across the note that is slightly at odds with the orderly balance one generally aims for.
I can perceive and understand the actual beauty of order but, more or less unconsciously, I always find myself looking for the little distractions everywhere in a world that – to varying degrees – strives to be impeccable.
My eyes get captivated and my imagination starts working when it comes into contact with these tiny distortions within a harmonic system; perhaps because I grew up in Rome, a city where the majesty of imperial, classical and ecclesiastical legacies is constantly diluted in the noisy habits of the Mediterranean. These off-key notes amuse and reassure me, as they lead me to imagine how they were generated. By exposing them, I recognize and accept the fundamentally imperfect and paradoxical essence of the human condition.
The use of this spontaneous point of view within the documentary stories that I choose to represent, allows me to share an affectionate, positive and participatory vision of diversity, of the undervalued and the extravagant.
I live in Marseille, France.”
Manfredi Pantanella
“I was born in Rome in the ’85, I attended the “Centro sperimentale di fotografia e televisione” in Rome and the “Ecole de photo et de formation a la photographie” in Paris. After that I’ve been working as assistant for Reza Deghati (National Geographic Fellow) in Paris for 2 years.
In 2011 I stared working as freelance, mostly for editorial and personal projects.
Ever since I found my own point of view focusing on social and political issues, finding inspirations in the every days life’s absurdity.
In Paris I’ ve been selected in the Off festival of Paris Photo with my work “Zabbaleen” and projects “Aquasferra”and “Roundabout” has been chosen as “Coup De Cœur” at VISA festival in Perpignan.
Since I’m back to Italy I’m based between Rome and woods.”
