Renzo Allegri

Mauro Corona, born in 1950, is an Italian author, mountaineer, and wood carver whose work often explores the vanishing world of traditional mountain life, particularly in the Vajont Valley. His childhood was marked by a difficult family dynamic and the profound impact of the Vajont disaster. These experiences, coupled with his deep connection to nature forged through hunting and climbing, have shaped his literary and artistic output.

Corona's career spans writing, wood sculpture, and mountaineering. He has authored numerous books, some of which have become bestsellers, and has established himself as a significant figure in the world of climbing, creating many routes. His sculptures have also gained recognition, leading to exhibitions and commissions. His writing frequently delves into themes of humanity's relationship with the natural world, ancestral roots, and the impact of modern progress, often imbued with a sense of melancholy and passion.

Born in Baselga di Piné and later moving to Erto in the Vajont Valley, Mauro Corona's early life was deeply influenced by his surroundings and family. He accompanied his father on hunting expeditions and his grandfather on climbs, fostering a lifelong passion for the mountains. His relationship with his parents was challenging, leading to his mother's departure, a wound he carried. During this period, he found solace in literature, particularly Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Cervantes, and learned wood carving from his grandfather. The devastating Vajont disaster in 1963 profoundly affected the region, and though his family was spared, the event later inspired his novel 'Aspro e dolce'. His education was fragmented, marked by a rebellious spirit and financial constraints, leading him to various jobs before military service.

Corona's artistic journey began with wood sculpture, initially selling his creations and later receiving commissions that funded his pursuit of formal training. He studied under Augusto Murer, enhancing his skills. Simultaneously, his passion for climbing led him to equip numerous routes in the Erto e Casso cliffs, which became a popular climbing destination. His literary career commenced in 1997, with his writings often reflecting the traditions and resilience of the Vajont Valley communities, exploring themes of nature, heritage, and the march of progress. His works have garnered awards, including the Bancarella Award, and have been translated into multiple languages.

Corona's writing and art are deeply rooted in the natural world and the human experience within it. He frequently revisits the landscapes and traditions of his native Vajont Valley, portraying a world grappling with change and the echoes of past tragedies. His narratives often explore the complex relationship between humanity and nature, the importance of ancestral connections, and the often-melancholic confrontation with economic and technological advancement. His perspective is characterized by a passionate, sometimes wistful, gaze on these enduring themes, seeking meaning and authenticity in a rapidly evolving world.

“For me this award has a different value and not only because Mario Rigoni Stern and his pages moved me [...] When I'll get home tonight and look in the mirror, I'll tell myself that perhaps I made it out of hell.”