Quatrani is the local term for “youngsters" in the Italian city of l'Aquila. It has been ten years since the earthquake that shook the Italian city, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries and leaving many people homeless. The children of what is now known as The Forbidden City have turned 18 years of age. They have grown up without a hometown, a safe place they can call “home.” Nevertheless, these children have managed to find a sense of belonging in the bond they share with one another. They started to give the name “home” to the solid friendship they have built by going through the same experience with remarkable strength. “When an earthquake takes away the place you are from, you need to find it again. You need to find it where there is not a thing in sight and you have nothing more to hope for but the company of your family and friends. Find home in those who love you.” “The earthquake was sort of Year One. People don’t say, for example, ‘it happened in 2006,’ but they either refer to ‘pre-earthquake’ or ‘post-earthquake.’” (Voices of the young people who lived through those times.)
Quatrani
Series, 1st place. Special Prize by China Daily
A scar on the chest of Enrico, who had an open heart operation as a child.
L'Aquila is the largest construction site in Europe, but for these guys it's normal, they don't have memories of how it was before. The photo was taken on the Belvedere Bridge.
A marble structure with arches in a public park on the outskirts of the city.
The boys, having nowhere to meet, they also spend time in the park.
Enrico in his kitchen. He lives with his mother in temporary housing built between 2009 and 2010 as part of Berlusconi’s so-called "CASE projects." They are still living here though and who knows for how long.
Enrico with Emma, one of his close friends.
Francesco with Enrico's grandmother, they spent years in each other’s company. Today, Enrico's grandmother lives in a retirement home for elderly people, but Francesco often goes to say hello.
Enrico adjusts a canopy at his house.
Enrico at a house hit by the earthquake: the restoration work continues in the city.
The boys in front of their school, a temporary structure (part of the MUSP project to build temporary school facilities). For these children the school has played a fundamental role in the years following the earthquake.
The boys, with a dog, in the still of the city ruins.
The boys all together lying on a lawn just after the end of a two-day summer festival. For them it was a unique experience to see a festival in their city.