The Underground Heroes exhibition takes you into the story of the many immigrants who sought their fortune in a country far from their homeland. This past has shaped the path of photographer Gianni Alessi and gives his photography deeper meaning.
One inspiration for this exhibition is Giovanni, the photographer's grandfather. He worked as a miner in the dark Limburg mines, drawing strength from coal. His experiences not only etched lines into his face but also shaped his understanding of perseverance, resilience, and human values.
Inspired by his grandfather, Gianni began photographing other Limburg miners. He produced 130 black-and-white portraits of miners, which he published in a thick photo book titled the same as the exhibition: Underground Heroes.
The Heritage Service presents life-sized portraits of the Maasmechelen miners photographed.