SEMPER - the tradition of tomorrow /EXHIBITION AND CATALOGUE / Florence , 2008-2011
This latin word, meaning “forever” was the motto of the Medici family, which aspired to rule Florence and
Tuscany forever. While the last Medici ruler of the city died long ago, this project is about people who
up to this day try to conserve their humble dynasties.
Neither princes nor dukes, the objects of my semper series are working-class people. Their traditions are basic yet noble. They polish leather, saw wood, cut cheese or clean
fish and do it the same way their ancestors did with the hope their sons will keep this alive. Their shops, botteghe in Italian, are a mixture of past and present.
The photos were taken during the years of 2008-2010 in Florence where more than 20 famelies participate this proect. Formerly an importent center of the artisan/craft, Florence seems to loose progresively one of its characteristics; the tradition of famelies having an
ancient profession transmited from father to son. All the photos were taken inside those botteghe.
This was done during work hours but I almost felt as if I was visiting their homes. Very much at
ease, they looked directly at the camera, confident in their work and proud in what they do.
The photos are all organized in polyptychs. This form permits to present a firm family structure.
Its members are joined by their working tool, a sort of a family emblem. This tool was there in
the past, serves in the present and will be there in future. A living object, assuring that traditions
will not be lost forever.
Gali Eytan
