Agrigento_ The temple of Concordia c. 1875

Agrigento_ The temple of Concordia is a photographic triptych by Giuseppe Incorpora. Incorpora worked in Sicily during a period of significant cultural and social change in Italy. These portraits of local women dressed in the attire of the Italian upper class offer a window into the complex interplay between identity, representation, and cultural aspiration. The attire and poses of these women reflect an attempt to align with the aesthetics and values of the Italian elite, whilst offering new narratives that challenge traditional representation. Incorpora, through his lens, captures not just images but the emotional and experiential dimensions of identity. These women, in their deliberate poses and attire, are actively participating in shaping their own narratives within a changing society. The work invites us to reflect on the personal dimensions of cultural assimilation and the active role individuals play in shaping their identities.