Biennale Architecture 2025

Today, with special permission, I had the opportunity to attend the pre-opening of the 19th Biennale Architettura in Venice, which officially opens tomorrow, May 10, 2025, and runs until November 23, 2025.

It's important to note that this is not the Art Biennale—that will take place next year—but rather a dedicated exhibition focused entirely on architecture.

For those unfamiliar with the field, some of the national pavilion exhibitions, especially those in the Giardini, might come across as abstract—or even dull. As often happens, the most engaging experience can be found in the Arsenale, and in particular, the Corderie section.

This year's edition places a strong emphasis on climate change. However, it presents a rather one-dimensional view: that humans are solely responsible for the current environmental crisis, without acknowledging that climate has always been a dynamic force throughout Earth’s history.

The exhibition opens with a striking juxtaposition: rising global temperatures alongside declining global populations. This is the stark reality architects must confront in an era that demands radical adaptation.

From here, as curator Carlo Ratti explains, visitors journey through three thematic realms: Natural Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, and Collective Intelligence. The exhibition culminates in a final section titled Out, which poses a provocative question: can space be a solution to Earth's crises?

Each section of the exhibition has been conceived as a modular, fractal space—an organic network that interweaves large- and small-scale projects into a cohesive web of dialogue. The exhibition design, created by architecture and design office Sub (led by Niklas Bildstein Zaar), and the graphic identity by Bänziger Hug Kasper Florio, reflect the interconnectedness necessary for survival in a rapidly changing world. Digital layers expand the narrative, adding depth and new dimensions to the visitor experience.

I haven’t yet had the chance to explore the many collateral events scattered throughout Venice, but if I come across anything noteworthy, I’ll be sure to write about it!

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.

Comment from David Alan Harvey on Instagram

During his workshop in Venice held in March 2023, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with David Alan Harvey. Receiving a comment of such high praise from him is akin to receiving a lifetime achievement Oscar in my field! His acknowledgment is truly a pinnacle in my career.

David Alan Harvey’s comment on my Instagram page

The interior of a Venetian palace in the center of Munich!

The stunning interior of a Venetian palace, immortalized by Marc De Tollenaere through a single shot with his Leica SL2, is currently showcased in Munich. As a captivating part of his ambitious project "One, no one and fifty thousand - inside Venetians’ houses", this photograph, spanning 5.30m x 2.40m, can be admired at the Associate Practice of Dr. Bartels on Theatinerstraße 47, in close proximity to the lively Marienplatz.

The original image

This image was captured using a Leica SL2 with Apo-Summicron 28mm: 0.5” f/5.6, ISO 400 and the innovative Multishot function, resulting in an awe-inspiring 187 Megapixel file.

Those eager to delve into this installation and also the attached exhibition by Susanne Bartels have the opportunity to do so from Monday to Friday during standard office hours.

Detail 1

Detail 2

Detail 3

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

Simon Bergen at the Glass Museum in Murano

Don't miss out on the incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Swiss artist Simon Berger at the Glass Museum in Murano.

From January 28th to May 7th, 2023, this extraordinary exhibition promises to astound and inspire visitors with its unique collection of about twenty glass artworks.
What sets this exhibition apart is the fascinating technique employed by Berger to bring his art to life. With the skillful use of hammer blows on glass plates, he meticulously carves out astonishing images that leave a lasting impression on all who encounter them.

Each piece is carefully crafted to fit the specific space within the Glass Museum, creating a truly site-specific experience that amplifies the impact of his work.
With glass as his primary medium, Berger pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, showcasing his mastery in a truly awe-inspiring manner. From delicate subjects to bold and striking compositions, his glass engravings showcase a wide range of themes, emotions, and ideas.

The Glass Museum in Murano provides the perfect backdrop for Berger's breathtaking artworks. Nestled within the historic and artistic enclave of Murano, renowned for its centuries-old glassblowing tradition, the Museum itself is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. This symbiotic relationship between the works and the space in which they are displayed further enhances the overall experience, making this exhibition an absolute must-see.

Inside the houses in the lagoon of Venice

An old man sitting in his living room and smoking a small cigar.

I took this picture in a small town in the lagoon of Venice with a Leica Q2 and 28mm Summilux; 1/8s f/1,7, iso 3200. In order to preserve the atmosphere I asked him to turn off the lights and the room became that dark, it was hard even for me to see what was going on. Fortunately the excellent autofocus of the Leica Q2 helped me in focusing at f/1,7.

"Spiegel und Fenster" by Fee Pétrus

Meet the Fee Pétrus’ exhibition I curated in Munich in Theatinerstraße 47 (4th floor)

Fee Pétrus’ exhibition in Munich in Theatinerstraße 47 (4th floor)

As curator of this exhibition, what I immediately noticed in the pictures of Fee Pétrus is just such a mixture of peoples, religions and traditions, which are connected by a common thread. The exhibition has been developed in line with this formal context, and the images can be read as individual images, but also in combination as diptychs or triptychs.

The artist Fee Pétrus

In both cases, the special mixture has resulted in a treasure that deals with the major themes of humanity, art, life and death, light and shadow. Through a slit in the window, the artist grants a glimpse of her mirror made of symbols, joy and sadness, love and humor, transience, reality and fiction.

The artist Fee Pétrus

You can see the all selection and buy the prints on the artist’s website:

Fee Pétrus

Today in the Italian newspaper "Il Corriere della sera"

Today a nice article appeared in the Italian newspaper “Il Corriere della Sera”, talnking my book “One, no one and fofty thousand”, about the last inhabitants of Venice.

My book "One, no one and fifty thousand" presented at the Museo Correr

In the splendid setting of the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco in Venice, I presented, together with Professor Riccardo Caldura, Director of the Academy of Fine Arts and Dr. Anna Toscano, my new photographic book "One, no one and fifty thousand - inside Venetians’ houses”. A ten years journey around the narrow streets of Venice, to discover what is hidden beyond a door, where still Venetians live.

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

The making of my book about Venetians inside their houses

To make a book, you need to have something to say, technical skills must be at the service of a concept.

In my next photographic book the concept will be on the loss of identity, and for this reason I have chosen as a stage the houses of the Venetians, with the Venetians themselves portraied inside.

Which other city can boast a millenary identity, which still today can be seen by walking along the streets, or inside the houses? Of course, Rome for example has a much older history. But may we say that all that remains of the Roman Empire are open-air museums?

In Venice, however, this is not such the case. Being Venice an island, it was not destroyed to make room for cars. In Venice, people live inside houses that are five hundred, even seven hundred years old, and they are not museums.

My editor controls the quality of the prints with his technician

My book on this topic will be published soon, and I will give it more space on this blog.

Right now I am at the Biblos publisher and we are checking the latest details together with his collaborators.

Stay tuned!

The typography where I am printing my next book

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

The oven stuck in the chimney hood

The funniest was the carpet reflecting in the oven, giving it even more depth.

But what attracted my attention was of course the oven stuck in the chimney hood.

Although this is not a small apartment in Venice, the owner decided to save space in this particular way.

The butterfly on top, the paintings, and the photos all around made this scene so interesting that I could not resist to take a picture.

This photo also comes from my personal project about Venetians inside their houses.

An Indian house in Venice

The family living in this Venetian apartment travelled many times to India, and we can see it from the hundreds of objects lying on the walls or on the furniture.

One of the things I liked the most in this room was the painted stairs hanging from the door, giving the room even more space.

The mix between Hindu and Catholic religion is here evident.

Sometimes I wonder how could a child be in this house, with so many things to look at and to play with.

My project about Venetians inside their homes has taken me during the last ten years in so many different places, sometimes simple, sometimes sumptuous, sometimes rotting, sometimes shining.

This is a strange place, where it’s hard to decide where to look at, as there are so many interesting things everywhere.

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.