Fotomuseum Winterthur : NeoRealismo - Photography in Italy

An exhibition at the Fotomuseum Winterthur presents 230 pieces by 75 photographers on the subject of Neo-Realism. In the accompanying book *NeoRealismo - Die neue Fotografie in Italien 1932-1960* *the new photography in Italy 1932-1960* published by Christoph Merian Verlag, six authors describe the development of Neo-Realism from the beginnings to the late Fifties and also highlight the influences photography, film and literature had on one another.

Neo-Realism is particularly famous for films by Rossellini, De Sica oder Visconti and was an artistic reaction to the changes in Italy in the 20. Century. Fascism has established photography and film as a mass media, abused it for its purposes and created a clear definition of the aesthetics of the depiction of reality.

The reinstated freedom of thought and the necessity for Italy to create a new identity, fed the feverish interest for documentary style, images of reality and the exploration of the country. Magazines soon began to flood the market, documenting life in the secluded provinces, the country wanted to know how people still lived in tradition. Society needed photographers to capture the human characteristics in these extremes as well as those found at famous sites. The exhibition’s curator is Enrica Viganò.

A 340 page book, edited by Enrica Viganò, includes an art dictionary, a timeline and 250 Duplex images by 75 photographers (Format 24,5 x 30 cm, hardback).

NEOREALISMO - Die neue Fotografie in Italien 1932-1960
1. September to 18. November 2007
Fotomuseum Winterthur, Grüzenstrasse 44+45 , CH-8400 Winterthur (Zurich)
www.fotomuseum.ch