FLORENCE, ITALY – Akiyoshi Ito is the oriental artist that the Alinari Museum of Photography (MNAF) proposes from September. Ito’s exhibition is a true declaration of love for the sea, its beauty and its richness.
Ito began his career as a photographer about 40 years ago by diving into the natural beauty of the sea in the archipelago of Okinawa in southern Japan. His photographs come from a passion for the sea and the underwater world, portraying the Sea of Japan, the Philippines, Hawaii, the Australian barrier reef, the sea of the Maldives, the Red Sea and, more generally, all those places where he succeeded in capturing the incredible beauty of marine ecosystems.
The resulting images, always in large format, reveal to the public a world of wonder that remains hidden from the eyes of most people. Sogni sott’acqua – Underwater Dreams are 48 works on display which give the illusion of being immersed and surrounded by the waters of these distant seas.
The photographs taken by Ito were made by diving at 8-10 meters using light from the sun alone, resulting in bright, fresh colours and compositions so perfect as to seem surreal and computer enhanced. Quite to the contrary, they are authentic shots where light draws shapes and nature with its laws, orders reality. In his compositions the picture is like a ‘sketch of nature’, able to fix on a piece of light sensitive paper the image of reality.
Sogni sott’acqua. Underwater Dreams (September 13 to October 14), MNAF Piazza Santa Maria Novella 14 , Florence, Italy. Hours: daily 10 am -7.30 pm Closed on Wednesday. Admission € 9 Reduced € 7.50.
Given the commitment of Ito in the field of teaching and transmission of values portrayed in nature, the department of education and the MNAF have undertaken an educational project called Dive In. Aimed at schools and families, it wants to raise awareness of the issues of respect for and protection of nature, through photography and games.
The workshops will take place weekends in September and October in the space inside and outside of the MNAF, the complete schedule will be published on the Museum website. The workshops taking place at the MNAF last about an hour and reservations are required.
Discover more from Florence Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.