For eight years, I lived between Ljubljana and Milan, capturing the essence of two distinct yet deeply connected countries. Slovenia Italia is my personal black-and-white photographic journey through this cultural bridge.

One of the oldest and most traditional Slovenian customs. Over the centuries, it has retained its significance as an important part of Slovenian cultural heritage. This ritual, closely linked to agriculture and livestock farming, was not only a practical event of preparing meat for the winter (Koline), but also a social event that brought together family, neighbours and friends. Slaughtering meat was an expression of joint work, reciprocity and a festive atmosphere that strengthened the bonds between people. In the past, koline were an indispensable part of life on the farm. Farmers, who lived according to natural rhythms, depended on their own sources of food. In autumn, when temperatures dropped and it was necessary to prepare supplies for the winter, it was time to slaughter the pig. The tradition of preparing koline is preserved only in the countryside. There, the traditions and customs of our ancestors still survive.

This visual reportage captures one day in the halls of the Questura di Milano, where hundreds wait, hope, and navigate the administrative gateway to life in Italy. Permesso di soggiorno is more than a document, it is a fragile bridge between survival and stability, between presence and participation. For many, it marks the first step toward integration, dignity, and a sense of place in a new society.

Nestled in the tranquil countryside of central Slovenia, the Stična Abbey (Slovene: Cistercijanski samostan Stična) is the oldest functioning monastery in the country. Founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks from Rein Abbey in Austria, Stična has been a place of prayer, reflection, and cultural preservation for nearly nine centuries.

I had the opportunity to visit the VV.F. Command in Milan and document the experience through a photo reportage. The visit offered a close look at the daily life of firefighters and the structure of one of Italy’s most important emergency services.

Nature’s quiet force in the restoration of inner harmony. These photographs are not just scenes, they are places of personal equilibrium. With every captured reflection, tree, or beam of light, I honor the elements that help me restore clarity and calm.