The exhibition celebrates the extensive photographic work of Mark Edward Smith, author of over 800,000 images donated in 2021 to the Querini Stampalia Foundation. Born in Morocco to an English family, Smith lived in Italy for many years, finding his creative home in Venice. His photography ranges from reportage to portraiture and nudes, with experimental approaches inspired by Muybridge and the Surrealists, as well as the provocations of Boris Mikhailov. At the heart of his vision are artistic, architectural, landscape, and cultural elements, documenting the recent history of Venice – and beyond – with artistic and social sensitivity.
Curated by Lorenza Bravetta in collaboration with the Venice International Foundation, the exhibition is the final installment of a trilogy that included Beyond Venice. Now is the Winter of our Discontent (2022), dedicated to Graziano Arici’s archive, and Photographic Notes. The Venice of Luigi Ferrigno (2023).
