Racines stems from a desire to explore the roots of the olive tree, both literally and symbolically, considering this tree as a shared cultural matrix of the Mediterranean. Through this project, I reflect on my origins and how the Mediterranean has always been shaped by migratory flows of people, animals, goods, and plants. In 2023, I began photographing S’Ortu Mannu, a thousand-year-old olive grove near my mother’s house in Sardinia. I was immediately captivated by the imposing trunks, which resemble anonymous sculptures, each with its own unique identity. Initially, I approached the work by creating taxonomic portraits of each tree. However, as the project evolved, I became increasingly drawn to the meaning behind the knots and intricate ramifications of the branches. These olive trees tell a story dating back to the Pisan protectorate in the 11th century, when they were grafted to make them productive. Through this historical anecdote, I sought to create a contemporary symbolic bridge between Sardinia and Tuscany, uniting images from two territories on opposite sides of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The photographs highlight the shared elements and enduring similarities of the Mediterranean landscape, emphasizing its common cultural features. In this context, the specific topographical locations of the images become secondary; my intention is to merge the perception of these two places into a unified vision. As a photographer, it is equally important for me to explore the roots of the olive trees as visual symbols. Even though they are almost impossible to capture in photographs, they remain an essential part of the project’s conceptual framework. During a visit to the Giardino dei Semplici in Florence, I discovered archival botanical images of olive trees in historical books. These photographs, simultaneously scientific records and abstract works, sparked my curiosity. I rephotographed and manipulated these images to incorporate them into the project, offering a new perspective on the hidden yet vital structures of the plants. In this way, Racines reflects on how plants take root in specific places, much like humans do—establishing deep, enduring connections to the land.