February 07th, 2024

Priscilla Rattazzi speaks at the Four Arts

On January 25th, Photographer Priscilla Rattazzi wasguest speaker at the Dixon Education Building and spoke about her latest project: “ThreeLindens.” The program opened with a brief video presentation produced and narrated by Priscilla followed by a conversation with Four Arts Chief Program Officer Sofia Maduro.The talk focused on the genesis of the Three Lindens photography and book project and the importance oftrees in our lives—why lindens are considered sacred trees in Europe, for example.

Sofia and Priscilla discussed how the project evolved from film to digital photography, and how it is that Priscilla’s deep connection to her property in East Hampton, her profound love of nature and a deep-rooted need to honor the trees, produced this poignant tribute. Priscilla Rattazzi devoted over three decades to photographing three ancient linden trees that stood watchover her family home in East Hampton, NY. The project is an homage to a beloved property and the three trees, which are believed to be more than two hundred years old. It is also a story of dislocation, reverence fornature, self-awareness and ultimately, of resilience.

Photos by Annie Watt