Stefano Ferrarin
This work delves into the intertwined migration journeys of my mother, who is from the Dominican Republic, and me, exploring how these parallel experiences—leaving home at the same age, though in different destinations—have shaped our identities and our shared understanding of what it means to navigate unfamiliar places. Set against the backdrop of Italian culture—a place deeply rooted in tradition—we examine the tension between preserving heritage and adapting to new cultural expectations. In Italy, tradition often demands a rigid adherence to culinary norms, where food becomes a gatekeeper of authenticity. This dogmatic approach to cuisine reflects a broader struggle with integration, where migrants are expected to conform rather than coexist. At the center of this project is the tomato—a fruit now iconic to Italian cuisine, yet one that was once met with deep suspicion. Despite arriving in Italy over 400 years ago, tomatoes were long considered poisonous and were excluded from the national table. Today, they symbolize the very essence of Italian cooking. By focusing on this ingredient, I explore the complex narratives of belonging, tradition, and national identity.
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