Giulia Menicucci
In December 2025, I was selected for the nocefresca residency in Sardinia. During a one month residency in Milis, I developed a visual research project on the role of women within the region’s long standing citrus tradition.
The research began with a desire to better understand women's contribution to this agricultural landscape and the reasons why their work is often overlooked. When I asked about women working in the citrus orchards, many men told me there were none. Other women, however, pointed out many examples.
I spent time with six women working across different stages of the citrus production cycle. I observed their daily routines, spoke with them, and documented their work through photography and video. I followed their schedules, from early morning market preparation to harvesting oranges in the rain.
Some of the women I met had worked in agriculture all their lives, while others had entered the field later in life. Through an observational approach, the project explores women's labour within the citrus tradition of Milis, a key element of the local economy and cultural identity. Their work is essential yet often remains invisible within a predominantly male dominated system.
Special thanks to Antonella, Aurora, Mariavitalia, Giovanna, Maria, Cinzia, and Giovanna for their trust and generosity.
This project was co-produced by nocefresca and Metamorphosis Archfest and supported by the Embassy and Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
open studio nocefresca residency
13 th December 2025
Milis, Sardinia, Italy.
Part of Sardegna Cinema Paradiso, Metamorphosis Festival
pictures by Josef Kovac