Altera Italia by Alessia Rollo
Altera Italia is a tactile, sensorial book by visual artist Alessia Rollo, published by Miracoli Visivi. Its exposed-spine binding lies flat, referencing the book’s circular narrative, while a solid blue paper dust jacket and copper ink details contrast with the bare structure. Coarse paper stock reinforces the sense of personal investigation. The book is set in Rapida, a typeface by fellow Italian designer Michelangelo Nigra, which contributes to the uniqueness of the book. In the words of design studio Gruppo:
Rapida was chosen for its ability to balance a classical presence with a more contemporary tension. Its traditional proportions and soft curves are countered by sharper details, creating a voice that is both familiar and unexpected. This duality resonated with Rollo’s practice, where observation and cultural memory coexist with acts of intervention and transformation.
