Naturalism and Abstraction Emerge from Michelangelo’s Pietà Photographed by Aurelio Amendola at the Opera del Duomo Museum
Florence, 8th September 2022. The exhibition named “La Pietà di Michelangelo. Lo sguardo di Aurelio Amendola fra naturalismo e astrazione” (Michelangelo’s Pietà. Aurelio Amendola’s Gaze between Naturalism and Abstraction) was inaugurated today in the Sala del Paradiso at the Opera del Duomo Museum on the occasion of the 726th anniversary of the foundation of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore (8th September 1296) and will be open until 9th January 2023.
Thirty-two black and white photographs printed in large format (70x100cm and 100x100cm) and with a strong visual impact, signed by Aurelio Amendola, a great interpreter of Michelangelo’s work and a world-renowned photographer, are displayed along the longitudinal path of the most representative and ‘iconic’ hall of the Museum, highlighting all the beauty, the vibrant energy, and the saving power of the Pietà Bandini. Buonarroti’s masterpiece returned to its former splendour after a careful restoration work which ended in September 2021, curated by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, and funded by the non-profit Foundation ‘Friends of Florence’.
During his long career, Amendola photographed all the sculptures by Michelangelo. Here, he gently moves forward, using his lens to dig into the matter, between the “non finito” (unfinished) and roughly carved surfaces and the perfectly “accomplished” details of this Michelangelesque composition, suggesting virtuous and unexplored perspectives. The outcome for visitors is an experiential moment of rare emotional connection.
“When Aurelio photographs Michelangelo’s marbles, he ‘becomes’ Michelangelo, entering the meanders of his thoughts and spirit”, said Antonio Natali, curator of the exhibition.
“Sculpture is everything for me. Working with lights, I try to make it alive, to let it speak. This has always been my intention”, commented Amendola.
INFO: https://duomo.firenze.it/it/home
(Fiamma Domestici)