2024

In history, hermits have always represented wisdom, asceticism, and a refusal of society. Since ancient times, we have records of people living in solitude in different environments, such as caves, mountains, and deserts. Nowadays, some people still decide to embrace the solitary living of hermitage, but times have changed.
Gianni, 74, is one of them. His story as a hermit dates back to the 70’s, when he met Australian artist Vali Myers, who was already living secluded from society in the forests around Positano, in the Amalfi Coast. Since Myers’ passing, Gianni kept living as a hermit with his dozens of dogs.

We live in unprecedented times of world connection. The internet has spread worldwide, and private satellite services allow us to be connected virtually everywhere, overwhelming our brains with content and information, most of which is useless. How do these modern hermits live, and what led them to become such? Was is to find a god, to live as one with nature, or was it misanthropy? Do they have access to the internet or to a telephone? Do they know about Artificial Intelligence or the last presidential election?