On October 24, the weekly meeting of members of the festivals and heritage committee of Bastia (Haute-Corse) was marked by the visit of Francis Stanzione. At the association’s premises, located at Place du Donjon, in the heart of the citadel, the painter came to leave a painting. The last in a series of three works which he wanted to do donation to the organization. Works which will then be auctioned so that the funds raised allow the committee to finance its future actions. “There are people who deserve to be known in this association, especially those behind the scenes, and even on the side of the extrasemphasizes Francis Stanzione. This is my way of paying tribute to them and showing them my sympathy.”
A figurative painter, his paintings represent slices of life, which he was able to observe during his meetings with the committee. “There’s one that shows extras, dressed in costumes from another era, tapping on their smartphones, that caught my eye. That amused me: two eras in one scene”confides the artist again.
Behind the scenes spotlight
It is also an opportunity for the painter to highlight the work of those who usually remain behind the scenes. Here, the seamstresses who make the costumes for A Notte di a Memoria, the reconstruction of the succession of governors. An event which immerses the city in its Genoese history, organized each year by the festivals and heritage committee.
Catherine Sismondini, seamstress, has been one of the volunteers who takes care of making the costumes since 2020. “I don’t expect recognition, I do this for fun”she slips, a dress in her hand. Although she is not a seamstress by trade, Catherine trained “on the job”and thanks to the Internet. She also looks for inspiration online. “When I start a costume, I immerse myself in the era. No choice! exclaims the volunteer. I mainly work at home, from 6 a.m. onwards. Almost daily.” She takes care of patching and adjusting the costumes in stock, and has created six since her arrival. A demanding but absolutely essential job for the committee. In July, during the next edition of A Notte di A Memoria, she will once again dress several dozen extras.
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