Today we have the pleasure of getting to know better Antonia Tricarico, a writer and photographer from Potenza who has chosen to live in the United States, in Washington. Her story of emigration is a tale of curiosity, discovery and deep connection with her homeland, Basilicata.
Right now, Antonia is in Basilicata to present her book “Oltre l’influenza”, a work that reflects her life experiences, cultural discoveries and personal worldview.
Roots and the curiosity to discover the world
Antonia, can you tell us what small town in Basilicata you come from and how your origins have influenced your worldview? What prompted you to leave for the United States?
“I come from Potenza, and from a young age I have had a wandering soul. When I was 19 I went to Rome to start my university studies, and there, between Rome and San Cesareo, I met a person who proposed that I move to Washington. It was not an easy decision, but after a couple of years I chose to leave. It was never an escape from anything, rather a strong curiosity to explore new places and live different experiences.”
A family connection to emigration
Your story is intertwined with that of emigration to America. Is there any family or historical connection that brought you closer to this choice?
“Yes, in fact, my grandfather left Potenza in the early 1900s to go to Chicago, where a sister lived. He tried to stay there twice, but for family reasons he had to return. Unfortunately, he died during the war. My grandmother, on the other hand, had a sister and brother in Colorado, in Denver, who emigrated in search of a better future. Today I still have part of my family in Colorado, with whom we are in contact. Although my choices were not influenced by them, there is a deep connection with America and my homeland.”
The connection to Basilicata through photography
How has your relationship with Basilicata changed over time?
“My relationship with Basilicata has never changed. Photography is my common thread with my land. Thanks to photography, I can relive memories of places and people who are no longer there. Photography has allowed me to keep the connection with my land alive, even from a distance.”
Antonia also tells how, while living in America, she was forced to return to Italy to care for her mother. But instead of returning to Potenza, she chose to move her to Rome. “I love spacious places, those that offer more choices, both physical and emotional. Returning to live in Potenza was not a desire for me, but it has always been a regular stop to see family again. However, even in a small town you can find satisfaction, depending on what you are looking for. In Washington, for example, I found what I loved: music, art and photography.”
The connection with Basilicata in the present
Today, years later, do you still feel a strong connection with your homeland? How is Basilicata present in your life and work?
“Absolutely. Photography has always been a part of my life, ever since I was a child. My father owned a German bellows camera and took pictures of us as children. I still keep that camera and, back in Potenza, I photographed my grandchildren with the same camera. I remember those moments when my father was shooting were among the few times I saw him truly relaxed, and those moments were rare. The passion for photography was passed on to me unconsciously by my father, despite the fact that he was not a professional photographer. His lightheartedness while taking pictures was contagious.”
In summary, Antonia Tricarico, through her passion for photography and writing, has maintained a deep connection with her homeland. Despite the long journey that brought her to the United States, Basilicata has always been present in her life and work. Photography, in particular, allows her to relive childhood memories and keep alive the connection with her family and cultural history. Now, with the presentation of her book “Oltre l’influenza”, Antonia once again brings her experience and her Lucanian roots to the public, recounting her journey of discovery and reflection.
