Alessandro Silverj

Long time ago, fear and superstition shrouded many Italian towns, giving rise to ruthless witch hunts targeting women, healers, outsiders, or anyone who defied social norms. Accused of witchcraft, these women endured brutal persecution, leaving behind a legacy of violence that deeply marked communities and still lingers in the forgotten corners of these towns. The hysteria that took hold in these towns wasn’t an isolated phenomenon; it grew out of a deep-rooted fear of the unknown. Ancient pagan rituals, folk healing practices, and women who dared to live outside societal norms became targets of suspicion. Rumors spread of women casting curses, causing illness, stealing livestock, or kidnapping children, allegations that masked deeper anxieties about famine, disease, and social disorder. Collective paranoia, manipulated by local powers and the Church, spiraled into violent witch hunts, leading to torture, trials, and executions. The women who were executed were often healers or simply outsiders—victims of a system that sought control through fear and persecution. On August 29, 1523, Margherita, known as Madregna, was accused of witchcraft and subjected to rope torture. In fear of further agony, she confessed to practicing sorcery and taking part in a sabbath. She was condemned and burned alive at the stake. Her property was confiscated and redistributed according to the customs and privileges upheld by the Inquisition. Centuries later, her presence still echoes in our society.

Alessandro Silverj (Rome, 1991) is a self-taught photographer with a background in literature and philosophy. He blends analog and digital techniques in an autobiographical exploration, crafting evocative narratives suspended between nightmares and reality. His work alternates spontaneous photography, details of everyday life, inner landscapes, and archival manipulation. His journey unfolds as a thread through his life, making photography a tool for deep reflection.

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https://www.alessandrosilverj.com/

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