Cultivating Liberty at the Boggiano Tree
In the heart of Turin, a captivating installation titled "Heirs of Boggiano" is currently on display at the Guido Costa Projects gallery. The exhibition, created by Professor Cristiano Berti of the Academy of Fine Arts in Macerata and visual artist, delves into the rich and complex history of the Boggiano surname, particularly their Cuban roots and the redemption of African slaves within their lineage.
At the core of the installation is a network of handmade resin tiles, each bearing the names, surnames, birth, and death dates of Boggianos. These tiles serve as a testament to the past of those who freed themselves from slavery and the present of those who carry the Boggiano surname.
The Boggiano story begins in the early 1800s, when Antonio Boggiano, a merchant and landowner born in Savona, owned a coffee plantation, Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia, in the Polo Viejo area, on the mountains surrounding Trinidad, Cuba. It was here that 51 Africans, 58 African women, 57 creoles, and 67 creole women had their surnames changed to Boggiano.
Among the notable figures in this history is María de Jesús Boggiano, who in 1822, became the first to request and pay for her freedom from slavery, parting with 500 pesos. Others like Felipe, Teresa, and Esteban also followed suit, embarking on a journey towards freedom.
The redemption of the Boggianos led to the birth of descendants who populate the territory today. The Boggiano surname, once a stigma to be ashamed of, has now become a symbol of freedom. It is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of those who fought for their freedom and the continuation of their legacy.
Cristiano Berti's research and documentation of the Boggiano family history was driven by a deep personal and cultural interest in uncovering and preserving his ancestral past. By exploring these themes, Berti aims to bring to light forgotten or overlooked aspects of his family story, acknowledge the intertwined histories of African and Cuban descendants, and contribute to a broader recognition of the diverse roots that inform cultural identity today.
A 35-minute video titled Pero está por ahí, ¿no? features voices and faces of Boggianos living in Polo Viejo, sharing stories about their ancestors from the long-gone coffee plantation. The video, along with the installation, serves as a poignant reminder of the past struggles and the present pride of those who carry the Boggiano surname.
The installation and video serve as a testament not only to the Boggiano family but also to the countless others who fought for their freedom and the freedom of their descendants. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and acknowledging our past, as we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
- The home-and-garden tiles in the exhibition, each bearing the past and present Boggianos, not only reflect the work of Professor Cristiano Berti and visual artist, but also serve as a symbol of the family's historical struggles and present pride.
- In the context of reforming their work lifestyle, the Boggianos' redemption and the continuation of their legacy can inspire future generations to honor their ancestors and strive for a more equitable home-and-garden, mirroring the Boggianos' pursuit of freedom.
