Presenting Michael Kenna in Venice

On Friday, December 20th, at 6:30 PM, I will have the pleasure of welcoming Michael Kenna to the Centro Scalzi in Venice. We will engage in a conversation about his latest book, Venice. Memories and Traces. This work offers a deep dive into the British master photographer’s black-and-white masterpieces, many of which are reproduced in the same format as the original prints.

During the event, we will discuss Kenna’s unique photographic practice, which is defined by long exposure times, often lasting several hours. This technique allows him to reveal unseen details within the Venetian landscape. His lens captures a wide range of subjects, from falling stars above bell towers, palace arches, laundry lines, gondola prows, bridges, and twisted poles rising from the black lagoon, evoking ancient figures.

Kenna’s photographs masterfully play with light, shadow, and reflection, capturing the poetic intensity of Venice like no other.

"Legacy" : Helmut Newton's exhibition in Venice at Stanze della Fotografia

From March 28th to November 24th, 2024, visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to delve into the retrospective exhibition "Helmut Newton. Legacy."

Helmut Newton's exhibition in Venice

Curated by Matthias Harder, the esteemed Director of the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin, this remarkable exhibition commemorates the centennial birth anniversary of the photographer.

Showcasing a captivating ensemble of over 250 photographs, polaroids, and archival treasures, the display promises a profound exploration of Newton's inventive legacy.

Helmut Newton's exhibition in Venice

Nestled in the beautiful setting of the San Marco basin on the picturesque island of San Giorgio Maggiore, this exhibition not only celebrates Newton's distinctive and audacious style but also unveils a treasure trove of unpublished works that reveal intriguing, lesser-known aspects of the artist's diverse repertoire, offering fresh insights into his avant-garde approach to fashion photography.

The title of the exhibition already evokes the vast legacy left to posterity, inviting visitors to trace the steps of a twentieth-century icon on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

This captivating exhibition delves into the career of a trailblazer in fashion, showcasing collaborations with renowned figures like Vogue magazine and legendary stylists including Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, Thierry Mugler, and Chanel. Not only a pioneer in fashion photography, but also in revolutionizing the depiction of the female form, notably through his iconic Big Nudes.

Against the backdrop of Venice's unique charm, Newton's distinctive and daring style shines through each captivating shot, suspended between the serene waters and the vast Venetian skies.

The exhibition “Paolo Pellegrin. Event Horizon”

The eagerly anticipated exhibition, titled "Paolo Pellegrin. EVENT Horizon" is set to captivate audiences from 30 August 2023 to 7 January 2024. Located at the esteemed "Le Stanze della Fotografia" on the picturesque island of San Giorgio in Venice, this extraordinary showcase promises to take viewers on a profound visual journey.

Renowned for his ability to capture not only the harrowing realities of contemporary conflicts but also the profound effects of climate change, Paolo Pellegrin has established himself as a figure of unique brilliance in the world of photography. With a discerning eye that reflects his unwavering compassion for his subjects, Pellegrin's works exude a deep sense of humanity that is both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking.

Under the skillful curation of Annalisa D'Angelo, this exhibition builds upon the visionary concepts previously explored by the late Germano Celant during Paolo Pellegrin's show at the esteemed Maxxi in Rome. The result is a triumph of meticulous arrangement, where each sequence is thoughtfully crafted to convey a powerful narrative. In this meticulously orchestrated exhibit, nothing is left to chance, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable experience for every attendee.

As we celebrate the remarkable career of Paolo Pellegrin, it is essential to recognize his membership in the esteemed Magnum agency since 2005. This illustrious affiliation stands as a testament to his immense talent and enduring impact on the world of photography. His artistic prowess has cemented his status as one of the most significant living Italian photographers, appreciated and admired by enthusiasts and experts alike.

For those fortunate enough to find themselves in Venice, this exhibition should undoubtedly be one of the highlight of their visit. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring work of Paolo Pellegrin, a true master of his craft. In my opinion, he stands shoulder to shoulder with the greatest living photographers, making this exhibition an unmissable occasion.

The dog with the necklace

During a Photo Tour in May, suddenly appeared this beautiful dog, right in front of the shop of my friend, and good craftsman, Pietro.

Photographing dogs in Venice is a delightful experience that captures the essence of this enchanting city. As you stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets and meander through the picturesque canals, you can't help but notice the charming presence of dogs, adding a touch of warmth and companionship to the vibrant Venetian backdrop.

Whether they are elegantly dressed in adorable outfits or casually enjoying the Venetian sun, these furry companions exude an irresistible charm that begs to be captured through the lens.

The Cannaregio district in Venice often offers these interesting photographic opportunities, and in this case the owner of the dog, very kind, agreed that we photograph it.

Leica SL with Vario Elmarit 24/70 F/2.8 1/250 sec; f/5,6; ISO 400

The timeless panorama from San Marco towards Punta della Dogana

Picture taken not far from San Marco’s square, at the end of a narrow street, the view opens up in this beautiful panorama. A good place with back light, but also in a foggy day. I used my Leica Q2 with 28mm Summilux zoomed at 50mm, iso 100, 1/1000s f/8

Anselm Kiefer at the Doge's Palace

The title of Anselm Kiefer's monumental exhibition in the Sala dello Scrutinio in the Doge's Palace in Venice comes from a writing by the Venetian philosopher Andrea Emo: These writings, when burned, will finally give some light (Questi scritti, quando bruciati, faranno finalmente un po' di luce).

Anselm Kiefer’s exhibition at the Doge’s Palace in Venice

The works were created by the German artist between 2020 and 2021, and interact with the original ceiling paintings. The theme that the artist intends to develop is the relationship between contemporary art and museums, hence the title of the exhibition, "These writings, when burned, will finally give some light" between the ironic and the cynical, or the resigned, if you like.

Anselm Kiefer’s exhibition in the Sala dello Scrutinio at the Doge’s Palace in Venice

Kiefer's work that reveals before our eyes is monumental and grandiose. Both Emo and Kiefer remind us that these paintings emerge from the negation, from the cancellation of the other pre-existing ones on which they are superimposed. And we are not taking about just any paintings: the artists who worked in the Sala dello Scrutinio after the fire that destroyed it in 1577 were Jacopo Tintoretto, Andrea Vicentino and Palma il Giovane.

Precisely because of that fire, some paintings were destroyed, and new paintings were created. Now Anselm Kiefer's paintings overlap the pre-existing ones and will be destined to die once they will be dismantled from the Doge's Palace.

Good Friday Procession

Overnight the Good Friday Procession in Venice is something intense and difficult at once.

Light conditions are very poor and this time I succeeded in shooting this particular moment thank to my camera - a Leica Q2 - which has a very fast autofocus and 28mm Summilux f/1.7 aperture.

The final exposure was 1/50s f/1.7, iso 6400

Artisans – Venice and Istanbul

Sometimes when I am wandering around Venice I see something that reminds me of Istanbul.

Actually, the two cities are not that far away from each other, especially looking at the history of them. Venice started her life being a part of the Byzantine Empire and the capital of it was the actual Istanbul.

Artisan in Istanbul at work in his workshop inside the Giustiniano’s ancient walls

Inside the walls constructed by the Roman emperor Giustiniano I met an old artisan working in his 2000 years old workshop, inside the fresh, large, ancient walls.

Blacksmith working in Venice in his anciet workshop

In Venice, this blacksmith is working always in the same place since the age of 11 years old (he is now 84 years old), and he got the workplace from his father who started to work in the same place at the age of 11 as well.

The re-opening of Palazzo Fortuny

The Museum Palazzo Fortuny, after two years of essential conservation work on the ground floor, and the refurbishment of the upper floors, finally re-open to the public.

It really worth a visit, because in it you can experience how was life in the palace of this polyhedric artist, designer, photographer – Mariano Fortuny - who lived in this palace from 1898 until 1949, the year of his death.

The first floor of Palazzo Fortuny

The museum is closed on Tuesday.

An interesting scene in the district of Castello

Venice is a labyrinth of streets. After spending more that twenty years wandering around for pictures I can say I know every secret corner of the City. A good surprise happened to me during a Photo Tour beyond the Arsenale of Venice, when in a very bright afternoon light the beautiful girl decided to take her dog for a walk.

Leica Q2 1/2000 sec; f/5,0; ISO 400

The writer Daniel Pennac in Venice

I got the great opportunuty to meet and to photograph the French writer Daniel Pennac and his wife, during their recent visit to Venice. Thank to a common friend, in which house the couple usually stays while in Venice, I met Daniel Pennac, a very friendly and funny man.

I addeed this picture to my serie “Inside Venetians’ houses”.

Taken with Leica Q2, in a very dark room, late in the afternoon. 1/13 sec; f/1,7; ISO 1600

Scuola Grande Misericordia

The Scuola Grande della Misericordia was established in Venice on 8 September 1261. What we see in this photograph on the left is the second seat, larger than the previous one, located in Campo dell’Abbazia.

After the Napoleonic suppressions, it changed various uses, until it was used as a stadium for the Venetian basketball team, the Reyer.

Nowadays, it’s a very nice and big place for exhibitions and for private feats.

Leica Q2 with 28mm f/1,7 Summilux, 1/1250s Iso 400 f/5,6

Playground in San Francesco della Vigna, Castello, Venice

Many among my friends have played in this playground when they were young. Sometimes the door of this hidden court attached to the bell tower of San Francesco della Vigna in Castello, is open and I like to peek inside. Leica CL con 18/56mm Elmarit Asph. 1/200 f/5,6, iso 400

Street Photography in Venice

I like working on the street, in Venice people live on the street. This is why I am drawn to Street Photography in Venice. Wandering around you can find some theatrical scenes like this one, and I like the way the subjects play with the architecture. Although I never understood why this girl was wearing a mask after the end of Carnival. The secret is this one: we walk around the hidden streets of Venice and we pick up a corner, very carefully chosen, and that becomes the place where the best picture is.

Leica CL with 18mm Elmarit, 1/250s f/2,8 iso 400.

Venice's Winter lagoon

A vaporetto on its way in the North Venice’s lagoon. Winter is one of the seasons I like the most because it allows to go everywhere and often you can take advantage of a foggy day, and get a particular atmosphere, very suitable for black and white. I took this picture with a Leica Q and, of course, its Summilux 28mm f1,7.

Leica Talk in Milan on the 28th November

Wednesday the 28th November I’ll be holding a Leica Talk in FCF Photo & Video in Milan. I’ll talk with you about my personal approach to photography and my personal projects about Venice.

Leica Talk with Marc De Tollenaere

In the Leica Stores of Italy, I’ll hold a talk about my work in Venice.

I’ll be in Milan on the 26th September, in Rome on the 27th September, in Bologna on the 28th September, and in Turin on the 22nd November.

I’ll show a 20 years body of work, made with a Leica, in the hidden parts of Venice. I’ll take you inside this beautiful city, where its real heart beats.