articles by

Francesco Dama

Francesco Dama is a gallerist and writer based in San Francisco, CA. A regular contributor to Italy Segreta since its inaugural issue, he also writes for a range of print and digital publications, including papers and catalog essays. His work offers critical insights into the international contemporary art and Italian cultural scenes, with a particular attention to queer themes. His writing has appeared in HyperallergicFantastic ManDesign Anthology UKWidewalls, and Lampoon Magazine.

Our writers come from all different walks of life–from all over the world, from different professional backgrounds, from all ages. We prefer our writers to be based in Italy: some were born and raised here, others moved here on a whim a few years ago. To us, the experience of those who grew up in Italy is just as important as those who have come here, seeing and feeling our culture through fresh eyes.

We like to publish evocative writers no matter their editorial experience. Whether a full-time journalist or someone who writes just for fun, our contributors are united by a passion for exploring the hidden corners of Italian culture and uncovering the stories that are often overlooked by mainstream media. As you read through our site, you’ll find that the voice of each and every writer shines through their work. Some articles may seem like they’ve been written by a non-native English speaker: that’s probably because they are. Just as we celebrate the beautiful, little things of Italian life, we embrace the small quirks that make each writer unique. And so the voice of Italy Segreta is exactly this: the tune, pitch and chords of each and every contributor, harmonizing to create a magazine that shows how Italy really feels.

How Sword and Sandal Films Built the Ancient Rome We Still Believe In

May 25

Design Like No One’s Watching: Fabrizio Casiraghi on Creating Lived-In Spaces

Mar 25

Mina in the Movies

Feb 25

Massimiliano Pani on Mina, Music, and Making His Own Mark

Feb 25

From Naples to the Paris Paralympics: Transgender Runner Valentina Petrillo on Vision, Transition, and Triumph

Jan 25

Enrico Baj: A Milanese, Light-Hearted Anarchist

Oct 24

Staying Put in Salento: Convento di Santa Maria di Costantinopoli

Apr 24

Carlo Mollino: Turin’s Last Eclectic

Dec 23

Speedos in Italy: Small, Skimpy, Revealing

Jul 23

Stepping into Casale Filetta: How Painter and Sculptor Lorenzo Brinati Finds Freedom

Jul 23

The Island of Iddu: Stromboli’s Mystical Volcano

Apr 23

The Monumental Conversation on Italian Public Statues

Mar 23

A National Affair With Drama: Maria Callas and the Histrionics of Italian Opera

Mar 23

Che Casino! The Italian Penchant for the Most Chaotic of Chaos

Mar 23

The Last King of Italy

Mar 23

Naples and The 7th Art

Jan 23

Inventing America: Spaghetti Westerns and Sergio Leone

Jan 23

Luchino Visconti: A Director and a Gentleman

Jan 23

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