Alberto Venzago: Stylist of Reality
Retrospective of the Swiss photographer at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, Germany
For over five decades, Alberto Venzago has been using his Leica camera to capture the world through a diverse range of subjects and photographic genres. From documentary reportages to staged scenes, his body of work reflects a deep exploration of human experiences. The retrospective exhibition at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, Germany, featuring around 150 photographs, offers a captivating glimpse into Venzago's rich and varied portfolio. Running until May 14th, 2023, this exhibition showcases the depth and breadth of his artistic vision.
Venzago's globetrotting lifestyle took him to various corners of the world, including Australia, Japan, and New York, before returning to his home country of Switzerland. Throughout his journeys, he documented powerful stories and significant events, ranging from the Iranian Revolution to deforestation in the rainforest, from child prostitution in Manila to voodoo ceremonies in Benin. His fearless approach often brought him into perilous situations, as he strived to capture the essence of his subjects up close. People have always been at the heart of his award-winning reportages, which have been widely published.
Beyond his photojournalistic endeavors, Venzago's expertise extends to professional studio photography, where he has created iconic and visually stunning advertising campaigns. His portfolio includes striking portraits of international celebrities such as Tina Turner, Penelope Cruz, Sting, and Mick Jagger, showcasing the diversity of his creative output. The interplay between documentary and staged photography has been a defining characteristic of his career.
The exhibition in Wetzlar provides a comprehensive overview of Venzago's work, highlighting key milestones such as his series on the Yakuza, the voodoo cult, and a collection of captivating celebrity portraits. The showcase also includes a selection of his films, underscoring his talent as a film director.
Reflecting on his acclaimed Yakuza series, Venzago recalls being the only photographer granted such intimate access to the criminal organization. His trustworthiness and dedication earned him acceptance, allowing him to delve deep into their world. The project became a long-term exploration rather than a mere journalistic scoop. Venzago's commitment to depth and authenticity was evident to the Yakuza from the start, resulting in unprecedented access.
Renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders lauds Venzago's Voodoo project, describing it as a unique and unparalleled visual experience. Distilled from twelve years of remarkable encounters, over 100 hours of video footage, and thousands of negatives, Venzago's work transcends traditional boundaries, offering an extraordinary perspective on the subject matter.
Alberto Venzago's exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in the power of his images, to witness the extraordinary and the intimate, and to appreciate the lifelong dedication he has invested in capturing the essence of the human experience.
Albert Venzago biography: Alberto Venzago is a Swiss photographer, photojournalist, and filmmaker born on 10 February 1950. He decided to teach himself photography in his mid-20s after studying remedial education and clarinet. He quickly gained success, spending four years working for the Magnum Photos Agency with his work published in the likes of Life, Stern, and Geo and moving effortlessly between photojournalistic documentation, independent artistic creation, and advertising. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the renowned ICP Infinity Award. Venzago lives and works in Zurich.
More at www.venzago.com
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