You Don't Need Soil To Grow

Berlin is a city characterised by its international population and gentrification. Inspired by sociologist Zygmunt Bauman’s concept of ‘liquid modernity’, Benedetta Ristori examines how contemporary society is defined by change and uncertainty.

You don’t need soil to grow shows how individuals, particularly expatriate women, find their identity and sense of belonging in a pre-existing urban fabric. Through intimate portraits taken in rigid urban spaces, Ristori captures the tension between these women’s freedom to reinvent themselves and their fleeting connection to the city. Despite the differences in their stories and motivations, a common thread is the courage to take risks and the ability to face challenges alone.