Friday 2 August (8 pm, free entry) InfoPoint Corigliano d’Otranto, in collaboration with Nuvole, the bistro at Castello Volante, is hosting ‘La notte delle erbacce’ (The Night of the Weeds), an evening dedicated to images, music and flavours inspired by the wild herbs of Salento.
The event begins at 8 pm on the terraces of Nuvole, the bistro and cocktail bar on the Castello’s terraces, with the presentation of the book “Il giardino delle erbacce” by Rocco Casaluci (published by Animamundi). The photographer will be in conversation with Valentina De Pasca, the book’s editor.
The event is funded by the Puglia Region’s Info Point Enhancement Scheme – 2024.
This will be followed, from 9.30 pm, by a DJ set by Rafter. The artist takes listeners on a journey without geographical boundaries through the vibrant sounds of world music, blending Arabic and Balkan influences, whilst exploring the realms of Afrobeat and Global Funk. An explosion of rhythms, sounds and vibrations.
From 6.30 pm, guests can enjoy an aperitif and sample the revamped menu created by chefs Andrea Mazzola and Diletta Bagordo, whilst sipping a drink from the list carefully curated by Michele Contini, who, for the occasion, will be enhancing their menus with a dish and a cocktail inspired by the aromas and flavours of Salento’s wild herbs.
Info and table bookings: 3343429268 – nuvole@ilcastellovolante.it
The Herb Garden
Rocco Casaluci, stage photographer for the Fondazione Teatro Comunale di Bologna from 2007 to 2021, has embarked on a fascinating artistic journey, leaving the stage behind to capture the most extraordinary spectacle of all: Nature.
The project ‘The Garden of Weeds’ stems from his deep connection with the natural environment and his desire to explore the often-overlooked beauty of wild plants.
Through a sensitive and attentive eye, Rocco transforms these ‘weeds’ into true theatrical protagonists, immortalising their expressiveness and revealing their uniqueness through black-and-white photographs.
Using a macro lens, he zooms in on the most intricate details, creating portraits that resemble ethereal illustrations rather than hyper-realistic images.
Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, together with his partner Lucia, Rocco devotes himself to careful observation during his daily walks. This project, born out of a love for the environment, aims to encourage reflection on the often-overlooked elements of biodiversity and the beauty hidden in the undergrowth.
‘The Garden of Weeds’ serves as a metaphor for our times, in which photography is not merely an aesthetic expression, but a means of conveying ethical values and raising awareness about nature conservation. Through these images, Rocco invites viewers to slow down, observe and appreciate the extraordinary richness of the wild flora of Salento, a region home to a quarter of Italy’s entire flora.
The project is an invitation to pause and contemplate the beauty hidden amongst the undergrowth, demonstrating that, despite environmental challenges, nature continues to thrive with disarming spontaneity.
Info +39 351 913 7972 info@ilcastellovolante.it
