L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 2023 www.italoamericano.org 6 NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS r a i n s a n d a l t i t u d e s , f r o m coastal regions to mountains. Italy is home to 13 such pris- t i n e f o r e s t s , u n a l t e r e d b y human activity. These locations, whether painstakingly designed or n a t u r a l l y p r e s e r v e d , b e a r immense cultural and histor- ical significance: they are not just relics of our past but vital legacies we are entrusted to pass on to future generations. I n t h e t i m e o f t h e y e a r dedicated to Italian Her- itage Month, the exhibition U N E S C O I t a l i a Fotografie takes on special significance at the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles as it allows for a deeper engagement with the extensive heritage that lies b e h i n d u s . T h e o v e r a l l UNESCO collection compris- es 220 photographic prints that have become part of the Collections of Contemporary Photography of the ICCD— f o r m e r l y k n o w n a s t h e National Photographic Cabi- net—which has been commit- ted for over 100 years to doc- u m e n t i n g t h e c o u n t r y ' s artistic heritage. The collection is an ever- evolving core that continues to grow with works for every n e w s i t e a d d e d t o t h e UNESCO list. The collection is presented in a bilingual c a t a l o g c u r a t e d b y F r a n c e s c a F a b i a n i and Adele Cesi, published by Danilo Montanari Editore with graphics by TomoTomo. A f t e r a n i n i t i a l s t o p i n Washington, the exhibition was set up at the Italian Cul- tural Institute of Westwood, where it will remain on dis- p l a y u n t i l D e c e m b e r 1 5 , 2023. The initiative is pro- moted by the Ministry of Culture (UNESCO Office of the General Secretariat and ICCD – Central Institute for Cataloging and Documenta- tion) and by the Ministry of F o r e i g n A f f a i r s a n d International Coopera- tion (Directorate General for Public and Cultural Diploma- cy), under the auspices of the C o n s u l a t e G e n e r a l o f Italy in Los Angeles. " I t i s a j o u r n e y a r o u n d Italy that displays the beauty and wealth of the artistic and environmental heritage we a r e p l e a s e d a n d p r o u d t o share with the world. It's an invitation to take a trip to Italy and discover these mar- velous natural and histori- cal-cultural landscapes, but also to be captivated by the talent of the photographers who have portrayed and cel- ebrated these exceptional wonders," said Raffaella Valentini, Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, citing enchanting locations such as V a l d ' O r c i a , t h e t r u l l i o f Alberobello, the mosaics of Piazza Armerina, or Noto in Sicily. Indeed, UNESCO Italia. Fotografie aspires to elevate Italy's World Heritage Sites through the lens of modern photography, an endeavor made possible by featuring works from a spectrum of Italy's most compelling pho- t o g r a p h e r s . T h e l i n e u p includes pioneering masters of social and anthropological reportage from the 1950s, g r o u n d b r e a k i n g e x p e r i - menters of the 1970s, as well as those who emerged from the iconic Viaggio in Italia project of the 1980s. Not only have the latter absorbed valuable insights from their predecessors, but they have a l s o c a r v e d o u t d i s t i n c t , authoritative paths of their own. This project also shines a spotlight on the newest tal- ents in Italian photography, capturing a rich variety of styles and perspectives. The exhibit showcases a curated collection of 43 pho- tographs, each capturing the awe-inspiring cultural her- itage of Italy. However, it goes beyond mere represen- tation, as it also illuminates t h e u n i q u e d i a l o g u e t h a t e a c h p h o t o g r a p h e r h a s f o r g e d w i t h t h e i r c h o s e n subject. It's a blend of art within art, an intersection between the striking beauty of the locations and the mas- terful vision of the photogra- phers who have portrayed them. In essence, it's a "dou- b l e - t a k e " e x h i b i t i o n t h a t invites viewers to look twice and appreciate both the cap- tured scenes and the artistic perspectives that brought them to life. "In addition to the aston- ishing beauty of Italian mon- u m e n t s a n d l a n d s c a p e s , MIC's UNESCO Italy collec- t i o n h a s i n t r o d u c e d a n added value to the heritage image by presenting the sites through the eyes of some of t h e m o s t i n t e r e s t i n g a n d authoritative talents of Ital- ian photography, which is also, to all intents and pur- poses, part of our cultural heritage," says Francesca Fabiani, curator of the exhi- bition and head of the con- temporary photography area of the Central Institute for Catalogue and Documenta- tion (ICCD) of the Ministry of Culture. "Therefore - she c o n t i n u e s - t h e U N E S C O project brings together and reflects a multitude of excel- l e n c e s : t h e s u b j e c t s p h o - tographed, elected as world heritage for their high cul- tural and artistic value, the photographic heritage that becomes part of the public collection, the talent of the authors involved, and the i n s t i t u t i o n s d e d i c a t e d t o supporting and enhancing t h e s e m a n y , d i v e r s e h e r - itages." The artists and sites on display include the historic centers of Florence, Pisa, and Siena by Olivo Barbieri; Gabriele Basilico with Rome, Crespi d'Adda, Alberobello, a n d M a n t o v a ; S i c i l y b y G i u s e p p e L e o n e w i t h t h e Aeolian Islands, the archaeo- logical area of Agrigento, the mosaics of Piazza Armerina, Noto, and Syracuse; Gianni B e r e n g o G a r d i n w i t h V a l D ' O r c i a , S a n G i m i g n a n o , Pienza, Urbino, Assisi, and C a s t e l d e l M o n t e ; L u c a C a m p i g o t t o w i t h V i c e n z a and Aquileia; Dario Coletti with the landscapes of Etna; Vittore Fossati with the Sacri Monti and the historic cel- l a r s o f P i e d m o n t , t h e Dolomites, and the fossils of Monte San Giorgio; William Guerrieri with Verona and Genoa; Mimmo Jodice with N a p l e s a n d M a t e r a ; t h e archaeological area of Paes- tum by Raffaela Mariniello; L u c i a n o R o m a n o w i t h Venice, Ferrara, the Reggia di Caserta, and the Amalfi Coast. At the opening event host- ed by the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles, a distinguished panel gathered for a roundtable discussion; it featured Francesca Fabi- ani, the exhibition's curator and head of the Contempo- rary Photography Area at ICCD, Ministry of Culture; Sandra Phillips, emeritus curator of Photography at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; and Maristella Casciato, the senior curator and head of Architecture Col- l e c t i o n s a t t h e G e t t y Research Institute. Emily P u g h , principal research specialist for Digital Art His- tory at the Getty, served as the moderator. Emanuele Amendola, the director of the Institute, inaugurated the evening in t h e e s t e e m e d p r e s e n c e o f Consul General Valentini. He expressed great enthusiasm for hosting this vital exhibi- tion in Los Angeles, stating, " T h i s e x h i b i t i o n n o t o n l y showcases Italy's rich histori- c a l , a r t i s t i c , a n d c u l t u r a l landscapes, but it also intro- duces us to modern photo- graphic languages. It fosters a dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary perspectives, allowing us to see the past through fresh eyes, thanks to the vision of these masterful photogra- phers." UNESCO Italia's patron- age further elevates the pro- ject's significance. It lends an added layer of importance to the cultural heritage cap- tured in the photos, not just because of the extraordinary beauty of the Italian sites, but also due to the unique viewpoints of the photogra- phers involved. This initia- tive represents a synergy of excellence—incorporating World Heritage-designated s i t e s , a n e v e r - e x p a n d i n g public photo collection, the artists' unique talents, and institutional commitments to enhancing these multifaceted heritages. Left, a visitor taking a snapshot of a Pompeian fresco picture and, right, a beautiful black and white photo taken in the Valle dei Templi (Photos: Stefania Rosini/@stefaniarosinistills_smpsp) "It is a journey around Italy that displays the beauty and wealth of the artistic and environmental heritage we are pleased and proud to share with the world," said of the exhibition Consul General in LA Raffaella Valentini CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

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