Brothers, Nostalgic Object observes brothers Matteo and Arturo playing together by the sea in Santa Marinella, near Rome. Norman Mine already had a close relationship with the children, allowing the camera to remain within an ordinary and familiar encounter rather than constructing a scene for them to perform.
At the centre of their interaction is a simple piece of wood found by the water. Through play, negotiation and the changing power dynamic between the two brothers, the discarded object temporarily acquires value and meaning. It becomes something to possess, exchange and compete over, before eventually drifting away and returning to the sea.
The work focuses on how an everyday object can become charged through experience and relationship. Its significance exists only for a particular moment, produced by the attention and imagination given to it, before disappearing again.
Working through observation rather than direction, Brothers, Nostalgic Object captures a small encounter in which play, affection, conflict and attachment continually shift between the two brothers.
Camera and editing: Norman Mine
Featuring: Matteo and Arturo
Location: Santa Marinella, Rome, Italy
Year: 2014
Duration: 4 min