ARTE IN CASERMA
ARTE IN CASERMA
JOHANN WIESER
Italy / 2004 / 21'
ARTE IN CASERMA
JOHANN WIESER
Italy / 2004 / 21'

The abolishment of national service ends a cycle in the military history of Europe that began in the 19 century. Not only many barracks have become useless, but also the culture of male youth has changed. Military service is no longer the “shadow line” marking the passage to adulthood. Living in a disciplined community with strict rules also requires a psychological involvement. The Alpine troop express this in songs, in the traditions of the individual units and also in the pictorial decorations of the barracks. These are often naif paintings ranging from the emblems of each unit to the portrayal of military exercises, from poetry on the Alpine soldiers to mythological or imaginary pictures, but sometimes they manage to go beyond the daily military routine and reveal the portrait of a changig culture.

Director

JOHANN WIESER