In the past three decades, thousands of African immigrants have entered Italy, ushering in an era of unprecedented--and controversial--cultural change. Coined “Generation Balotelli” by the media, (a nod to Ghanian-Italian star athlete & ethnic symbol, Mario Balotelli) Italian-born children of these immigrants are living, thriving and actively remapping Italy’s traditional conception of national identity; a new foundation that presages intriguing multiracial dimensions for the future. These photographs are the beginnings of an intimate exploration of their identity forming processes and unique coming of age experiences--a radical departure from previous narratives of Italian identity.
