Capturing the Intangible: Lia Pasqualino's Emotional Photography
In a world where images are often fleeting, photographer Lia Pasqualino delves deep into the human psyche, capturing moments that resonate with our inner selves.
The Italian Cultural Institute of Paris proudly presents 'Voir le coeur des humains' (See the Human Heart), an exhibition that explores the emotional depth of photography. Through her lens, Pasqualino, a student of the renowned Letizia Battaglia, reveals a unique perspective on the human condition. But here's the intriguing part: it's not just about the subjects she photographs.
Pasqualino's work is a reflection of her own emotional landscape, a journey into her past. She explains, "I find myself encountering the feelings of my childhood when I photograph." This exhibition is a testament to her ability to capture fleeting moments that evoke powerful memories and emotions.
In her quest, Pasqualino seeks instances where a chance arrangement of elements unveils a glimpse of inner contemplation. The artist recalls a goose in Piazza Magione, an image that, to her, symbolizes the emergence of buried memories of Palermo. This ability to connect the present with the past is a recurring theme in her work.
Even in portraiture, Pasqualino patiently waits for her subjects to reveal their inner gaze. She has captured the essence of renowned figures like Jeanne Moreau and Emir Kusturica, as well as countless unnamed individuals met in the streets or psychiatric hospitals. This collection of portraits becomes a study of humanity, each image a window into the soul.
"I draw from the hidden recesses of my mind, waiting for that silent, introspective moment," she confesses. This approach has become her signature, a unique way of measuring what it means to be human.
But is it ethical to capture and display such intimate moments? This exhibition raises questions about the boundaries of photography and the power of images to evoke strong emotions. What do you think? Are these photographs a respectful exploration of humanity, or do they cross a line into voyeurism?
Exhibition Details:
Lia Pasqualino: Voir le coeur des humains
Dates: Until January 30, 2026
Location: Institut culturel italien, Hôtel de Galliffet, Paris
Address: 50 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Admission: Free
Catalogue:
Featuring texts by Antonio Calbi, Giovanna Calvenzi, Gabriel Bauret, Roberto Andò, Ferdinando Scianna, and Tommaso Montanari.
Published by Dario Cimorelli editore, 2025.
For more information, visit:
www.iicparigi.esteri.it
Don't miss this thought-provoking exhibition, and join the conversation about the power of photography to reveal the human heart.
