‘empty spaces’

In Portuguese saudade means longing, a nostalgia for what’s passed away. This feeling has been expressed by many people as their traditions change and cultures evolve.  The perceived loss of authenticity manifests as an empty feeling in peoples’ lives. The series ‘empty spaces’ explores the cultural and personal significance of places like Lisbon, Porto, Florence, Paris and Venice.

Alessia’s practice of intuitive ‘snapshot’ photography allows her to capture these urban environments in transition. Even with the absence of people in these photographs, ‘empty spaces’ shows how a frozen moment can reveal layers of history and ultimately how cultures can change over time.