Silentes Loquimur

Silentes Loquimur is an analogue photography project exploring the Bus de la Lum sinkhole in the Cansiglio Forest in Tambre, Belluno.

The Karst and Istrian regions are characterised by rocky chasms shaped like inverted funnels, formed by water erosion, known as ‘doline’. During the Second World War, these shrinkholes were used to dispose of bodies that had fallen during clashes between Nazi-Fascists, partisans and the Yugoslav People’s Liberation Army. The bodies recovered were mainly those of victims of executions ordered following summary trials. The condemned were lined up at the edge of the sinkhole, tied together, and shot. The bullets struck the bodies, which tumbled into the sinkhole, dragging the entire group down with them.

The “Bus de la Lum” has been the subject of study, speleological research and political debate for several years.
During the Second World War, the sinkhole was used by partisans and soldiers of the Italian Social Republic (RSI) to dispose of the bodies of members of the opposing faction, but sometimes also of civilians. In memory of these people, a commemorative cross has been erected, bearing a plaque inscribed with the words ‘Silentes Loquimur’ – ‘We speak in silence’.

This photographic investigation explores the concept of historical truth – a truth that is often elusive, denied, painful and personal, yet one that never ceases to be present and to influence the present.

The project was shot, developed and printed entirely using analogue photographic methods.