Letizia Battaglia : Vivere e morire a Palermo - an exhibition of the Mafia's woebegone acts - and a film tip

The Mafia was and sadly still is a part of Italy. And in those exact moments when one wants to look the other way, Letizia Battaglia grabs our attention. In her exhibition "Vivere e morire a Palermo – Life and Death in Palermo" she presents the glamour and suffering that lead to a woebegone town. 

In her pictures, the Sicilian photographer documents Mafia murders and attacks, days of celebration and mourning, everyday life and the many faces of a place full of conflict. Whenever an act was reported to the police, she got on her Vespa and raced to the crime scene.

Her images depict the uninhibited brutality, with which the Mafia rules against its enemies. The exposures never come across as sensationalist or tasteless, they are marked by a sympathy for the victims. Many critics view them as art, rather than documentation. 

Between 1970 and 1994, the now 74 year old photographer realised over 600,000 shots of Mafia murders in Palermo. Her examination of the subject is based on a radical humanist tenor, which she also represents as a member of the anti-Mafia party; La Rete.

The opening speech of the exhibition will be held by the former anti-Mafia mayor of Palermo, Leoluca Orlando. The photographer, editor and dramatic advisor will then personally present her images and talk about her work.

Letizia Battaglia’s surname translates into ‘fight’. A term which has always been on her agenda. Impressive images of what she opposes are on show in Hanover from 11 November until 11 December. A cooperation with the local college  and Italian Cultural Institute have made this possible.

We would also like to recommend a very special film, to both those that can and can’t make it to the show. : "Battaglia – On the Trail of the Mafia" is a moving and very personal bio pic of Letizia, who created a photographic monument for her hometown of Palermo.

The femmage presents how she first started photography, as well as additional personal details. Daniela Zanzotto’s film presents the dedicated woman in a collage of her memories, thoughts and award winning photos, and captures her energy and insight of Sicilian reality.

Atrium des Design-Centers der Fachhochschule Hannover, Expo Plaza 2
12 November - 11 December 2009
Mo – Fr 9am – 8pm
Free entry for exhibition visitors
Private view: Wednesday, 11 November, 6pm. Admission: 3 Euro


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