The result of meticulous research started two years ago, the goal is to finally grant Maraini the rightful recognition in the history of photography while also encouraging a broader reflection on the core values of this art form, which is now being tested by new technological frontiers.
The significance of this exhibition goes beyond the celebration of a great master’s work; it also offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of photography as a representation of reality, both concrete and abstract. According to Maraini’s vision, this role only holds meaning if the image is capable of conveying a personal and profound worldview, revealing a spiritual universe through the lens.
In an era where digital technology redefines the boundaries of photography, this reflection becomes even more urgent: photography is not just a tool for capturing the visible, but a bridge between the real and the invisible, between the present moment and eternal time.
Curated by Francesco Paolo Campione, director of MUSEC, the exhibition consists of 223 photographs, some of which have never been shown before, taken between 1928 and 1971 in Europe and Asia. The images are the result of an in-depth exploration of Maraini’s photographic archives, with a final selection shaped by analyzing illustrated publications and negatives preserved at the Gabinetto Vieusseux in Florence. This selection was made possible thanks to new discoveries that emerged during the research process, allowing for a coherent and harmonious presentation of his work.
The exhibition unfolds across several sections, each highlighting the various facets of Maraini’s photography. It ranges from human and cultural portraits to landscapes that open onto the infinite, from architectural interiors reflecting the secret geometries of the inner world, to the hidden details within the fabric of reality. Each image is the product of an intelligent and sensitive vision, described with a refined aesthetic and deep cultural understanding. In these photographs, Maraini captures what he called “the empresent,” a term he coined to describe the unrepeatable moment in which the eye perceives the most intimate movements of the heart and soul.
Thus, this exhibition not only pays tribute to the artistic genius of Fosco Maraini but also serves as an invitation to view photography as a medium of exploration and discovery that transcends the visible.
MUSEC LUGANO
Until 01/19th 2025
Photo from the official Musec-Lugano website