Things
In Genoa, a city shaped by migrations, exchanges and cultural layering, this photographic project, curated by Khonsu collective, delves into the intricate relationships between people and the objects they hold dear. Focused on individuals who now reside in Genoa but come from diverse cultural and geographical origins, the project uses photography to document and celebrate the profound connections between memory, belonging, and personal narratives.
Participants are asked to bring an object of great personal significance—something they would never part with. These objects, imbued with meaning, serve as silent witnesses to their lives, standing at the intersection of past experiences and present realities. The variety is as rich and complex as the individuals themselves. For some, the object is tied to their homeland, a tangible reminder of where they come from; for others, it is a family heirloom, a gift, or a self-chosen companion acquired along the way. Each item is unique yet all share the role of bearing testimony to the emotional landscapes, cultural ties, and personal histories of their custodians.
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The distinction between objects and their keepers is central to this project. The people, as custodians, safeguard the stories and meanings that their chosen items carry. In this way, the objects do not merely exist as possessions; they are integral to their custodians’ identities, woven into their lives as participants in their journeys. Not simple artifacts but dynamic participants in the unfolding of life, bearing witness to transitions, memories, and relationships.
Drawing inspiration from contemporary anthropological thought, this project highlights the intricate, interwoven relationships between humans, objects, and their environments. It recognizes that these objects are not static relics but rather active witnesses, shaped by and shaping the lives of their custodians. They mark the flow of time, bridging the past and the present in ways that words alone often cannot express. The narratives accompanying each photograph add further depth, capturing the emotional and symbolic resonance of each object and its significance in the custodian’s life.
This endeavor also reflects on the broader implications of migration, memory, and connection. Genoa, a city long defined by its openness to the sea and the constant movement of people, serves as the perfect setting for this exploration. The project does not aim to define the city as a home for all its participants—home can be an elusive or contested concept—but rather to document the coexistence of diverse histories, experiences, and ties within its boundaries.
Through photography and storytelling, this project constructs a tapestry of lives and experiences. Each portrait is an image and a dialogue between the custodian, their object-witness, and the viewer. By presenting these stories in a both deeply personal and universally resonant way, the project invites reflection on the shared human need for connection and meaning and underscores the significance of the relationships we form—not only with people but also with the things that accompany us, witnessing our lives and anchoring our stories. Through this lens, objects are transformed into storytellers, and their custodians into stewards of meaning, guardians of personal and collective memory.


