Paola Di Bello

Form acquires particular importance in Paola Di Bello's work: the artist uses the specific traits of the photographic medium, challenging them every time. Fragmentariness is thus combined with the reconstruction of continuity, shots are doubled, taken from opposite viewing points, and day and night are superimposed. Right and wrong way around, back and front, top and bottom, and before and after coexist within the same image or are brought into play in a diptych. The artist investigates the contemporary world and is particularly interested in the relationship between the life of the human being and urban phenomena, with all their contradictions; her intent is to focus the viewer's attention on details, secondary events, and those excluded from society, in order to set them against habits and prejudices, which frequently alter our vision and encourage us to adopt superficial attitudes towards our surroundings. The effect of Di Bello's images is by no means predictable, indeed it is just confounding enough to be able to show reality in a different way – something which art has always been capable of – and to visually invite us to think and re-think. With reference to her contribution to Fotografia Europea, entitled Rear Window, the artist writes: “The project consists of a series of photographs of urban landscapes taken from the windows of the homes of people living in the city. In many cases, they no longer notice the view from their window because they see it every day. The photos are shot in double exposure, one during the daytime and one at night-time. This photographic strategy changes the ordinary vision into something new, special and extraordinary, particularly to those whose lives are set within that view. I'm interested in viewing the city, the streets and the urban landscapes from the vantage point of those who inhabit the urban space,” the artist points out, “from an internal and engaged perspective, not a view that focuses on key features and monuments but is secondary, private, a view from the 'rear', we might say.”

Paola Di Bello was born in Naples in 1961, and Milan is her adopted city. A photographer and video-maker, she won a scholarship for the ACA in Florida in 2002 which led to her working in close collaboration with William Kentridge and Marc Dion at the residence of Civitella Ranieri. She has been professor of Photography at the Brera Academy of Fine arts since 2006. Her studies analyze some of the socio-political issues typical of contemporary cities, bringing her close to everyday life situations, frequently characterized by deep human malaise, and bringing about a shift in perspective. Her works appear in some of the top art collections, including those of the Museum of Contemporary Photography of Cinisello Balsamo.

 

Info
Spazio Gerra
Piazza XXV Aprile 2  - Reggio Emilia
Tel. + 39 0522 456249 / 451152

Open Times:
6th May - 12th June 2011
Opening days: 6th - 8th May 2011
Visiting hours (exhibitions at institutional venues):  6th May 6 pm - 12 am, 7th - 8th May 10 am - 11pm
from 10th May Tuesday - Friday 9 pm - 11 pm, Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays 10 am – 11 pm closed on Mondays
Tickets: 10 € single ticket includes admission to all the exhibits