The future of photography is uncertain. In 2023, many argue that traditional cameras are outdated, as artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Midjourney and BlueWillow can now turn words into images. This shift challenges long-standing conventions, with some questioning whether the act of “seeing” is even necessary for image creation. Amid these changes, photographer Stefano De Luigi presents a unique perspective on Italy, blending both tradition and innovation. His recent work revisits the country’s landscapes, drawing inspiration from the classical vedutisti painters and the iconic 1984 project “Viaggio in Italia” by Luigi Ghirri. De Luigi’s vision explores Italy’s beauty and decline through a distinctive narrative style that merges classical techniques with modern reinterpretations. Over nine months, De Luigi traveled more than 20,000 kilometers, covering Italy’s coastline and major cities. His journey is not just a physical one but a deep reflection on the changes in Italian landscapes, culture, and identity. Using a technique that inverts his images—switching from positive to negative—De Luigi creates a delicate balance between reality and interpretation. This approach, which he developed during a residency in Deauville, France, brings out the silver tones in his photos, highlighting Italy’s architecture, nature, and urban decay. Through his travels and artistic process, De Luigi engages with Italy’s complex relationship between beauty and destruction, offering a poetic yet pained commentary on the country’s evolving identity. By inverting the traditional narrative, he captures a vision of Italy that is both familiar and transformed, leaving open questions about its future while preserving a sense of dignity in the face of decline. stefano_de_luigi_il_bel_paese
