Alessio Mamo Documents War's Human Toll in 'Wounds Without Borders'

Photographer Alessio Mamo's work shifted from aesthetic focus to social commentary after covering the 2013 Lampedusa shipwreck, which claimed over 250 migrant lives. This event solidified his interest in documenting social injustice and the lives of individuals affected by conflict.

Mamo initially focused on refugee stories in his native Sicily. A subsequent opportunity led him to the Middle East for six months, where he collaborated with journalist Marta Bellingreri, an expert on the region. This collaboration formed the basis of their project, "The Hospital of All the Wars."

The project centers on the patients at the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Al-Mowasah hospital in Amman, Jordan. One notable subject is Manal, a 12-year-old girl who sustained severe burns to her arms and face from a missile explosion in Iraq. Despite her injuries, Mamo observed her resilience, noting that "in many ways she seemed just like a regular young girl."

Through his lens, Mamo aims to highlight the profound human impact of war, particularly on vulnerable populations like children. His photographs serve as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of individuals facing unimaginable circumstances in post-conflict environments.