SEA STEEL and SORROW by Maria Pansini – URBAN Book Award 2024

SEA, STEEL, AND SORROW by Maria Pansini

Taranto, located in southeastern Italy, was founded by the Spartans in the 8th century BCE under the name Taras. It became one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia due to its strategic position, fertile lands, and thriving trade. Today, it hosts the MarTA, one of Italy’s most prestigious archaeological museums, and is known as the "City of Two Seas" for its unique location between the Mar Grande and the Mar Piccolo. Taranto’s deep connection with the sea has always been vital, supporting fishing, mussel farming, and the presence of the Italian Navy's Arsena

In the 1960s, Taranto became home to ILVA, the largest steel plant in Europe, which for decades served as an economic pillar, providing thousands of jobs in a region long plagued by unemployment. Industrial expansion led to the construction of massive buildings and sprawling suburbs for workers, while the historic Old Town fell into neglect. However, this industrial growth came at a steep price: pollution from ILVA caused severe environmental and health issues, with cancer and respiratory disease rates significantly higher than the national average.

This duality between economic development and environmental disaster forced the city into a painful dilemma: the right to work versus the right to health. Today, Taranto faces a profound economic and ecological crisis, seeking to rediscover its identity through its history and enduring connection to the sea, in the hope of a future revival after decades of hardship.

Author's Biography

Born in Puglia, Maria Pansini is a photographer and teacher. She graduated in Social Anthropology from the University of Bari. After her academic studies, she moved to Milan to pursue her passion for photography, training at the prestigious Riccardo Bauer Institute, where she earned her diploma. Pansini focuses on social reportage, event photography, music, and performing arts. Her work has been published in magazines and newspapers such as La Repubblica, Oggi, Artribune, Il Fotografo, Musica Jazz, and the Periodici San Paolo publications.

In addition to her photography career, Pansini is committed to education. She teaches History of Photography and conducts seminars and lectures at institutions such as the Polytechnic University and the Civic Museum of Bari. She is also the co-founder of the “Fproject” School of Photography, where she organizes courses and workshops. Her work has earned numerous accolades and has been exhibited in Italy and internationally (Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Belfast).

All photos © Maria Pansini

Web: mariapansini.wixsite.com/photography
Instagram: @mariapansini