Presenting three short films on her current photographic practice, Raffaela Mariniello will discuss the public installation of her photographs located at the Consulate General of Italy. Mariniello’s enchanting series, Souvenirs d’Italie, captures the essence of tourist destinations in Italy by revealing how their present and past histories effortlessly intermingle.

1. What subject matter do you primarily choose to photograph, and why are you drawn to this subject matter?

My work is based on urban landscape and I am drawn to this subject matter because of the description it lends on man's life. It is like doing a portrait without representingdirectly what it means to be a human being.

2. What do you hope to communicate to an audience through your work?

I hope to create a sensibility of social and architectural topics and to show problems found in contemporary cities. Cities are the common space we live in with others but they are often organized to satisfy only a part of society.

3. What are the biggest challenges you face in your work?

Being alone in organizing and managing my work. I dont' feel any private or public support, but I think artists should be helped to grow and develop love for art.

4. What is it about the photographic medium that you love?

The immediate feeling photos are able to convey.

5. What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Seeing someone happy while loooking at a photo of mine.

6. If you could choose three words to describe your work, what would they be?

History, beauty, work.

7. What part of your portfolio are you most proud of and why?

The book titled 'Bagnoli, una fabbrica' (Bagnoli, a factory). The photos are now historical documents, testifying an ended period of western industry.

Presentation will take place May 5 @ 6:30 PM
Instituto Italiano di Cultura
491 Huron St
Exhibit will run from May 1st - 31st at the Instituto Italiano di Cultura