ROME.- Rome will host an extraordinary journey through the vibrant and poetic world of Franco Fontana, one of Italy’s most influential photographers. From December 13, 2024, to August 31, 2025, the Museo dell’Ara Pacis will showcase "Franco Fontana. Retrospective," a comprehensive exhibition that celebrates Fontana’s career, which redefined color photography. Curated by Jean-Luc Monterosso, the exhibition offers a deep dive into Fontana’s pioneering approach to turning everyday landscapes into vivid works of art.

An Iconic Venue and Prestigious Support

The exhibition is promoted by Roma Capitale, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, the Capitolina Superintendency for Cultural Heritage, Civita Mostre e Musei, Zètema Progetto Cultura, and Franco Fontana Studio. Renowned curator Jean-Luc Monterosso, founder of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris, guides visitors through Fontana’s artistic evolution, revealing new facets of his work and showcasing his ability to transform reality into visual poetry.

The exhibition is supported by esteemed partners such as ATAC, Dimensione Suono Soft, Rai Cultura, and Rinascente, ensuring an enriching cultural experience.

A Journey Through 200 Masterpieces

Visitors will be treated to over 200 photographs spanning Fontana’s prolific career, set within immersive spaces featuring unique installations and videos. Through bold compositions, striking color contrasts, and daring perspectives, Fontana revolutionized photography’s relationship with color, moving it beyond the constraints of black-and-white tradition. The exhibition’s structure allows audiences to explore his works across various themes, styles, and eras.

Early Works and Breakthrough Moments

The exhibition begins with a wide-angle view of Prague, an image that graced the covers of Time Life and the Frankfurter Allgemeine. Visitors are introduced to Fontana’s early explorations of landscapes and urban geometry, characterized by minimalist elements and the celebration of white, as seen in works like Urbano 1960. These early images set the stage for his celebrated 1960s-70s color photography era.

Fontana’s groundbreaking 1978 book Skyline is highlighted as a pivotal moment in his career. This publication—praised by Claude Nori for its radical and purely photographic approach—opened new paths for Italian photography. Skyline features vivid colors and sharp contrasts, which redefine landscapes and reflect Fontana’s unique vision.

Thematic Exploration: Nature and Seasons

Nature’s beauty, captured through the lens of Fontana, forms a key part of the exhibition. From vibrant fields of grain in Puglia 1978 to serene snowy landscapes, Fontana’s works depict the ever-changing moods of the four seasons. His artistic statement—“When I photograph a landscape, it enters inside me, creating a self-portrait where I also become a landscape”—underscores his intimate connection to his subjects.

Architectural Poetry and Metaphysical Shadows

Fontana’s mastery of shadows and architectural forms is another highlight. In 1979, Ralph Gibson invited Fontana to contribute to Contact Theory, a collection of black-and-white works by influential photographers. Fontana chose the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome as his subject, producing atmospheric, metaphysical compositions. Visitors will also encounter rare photographs taken in Paris and Tokyo, capturing urban life with striking intimacy.

Pools and Sensuality

Fontana’s fascination with water and human forms comes alive in his iconic pool series. Here, he celebrates feminine beauty through dynamic compositions that elevate the curves of the human body. His use of Polaroids adds a layer of softness and intimacy, highlighting the sensuality of his subjects.

From Studio to Streets: A Personal Glimpse

A reconstruction of Fontana’s studio offers a glimpse into his creative process, contrasting the minimalism of his photographs with the chaotic richness of his workspace. Video interviews provide additional insight into his philosophy and artistic journey.

Fontana’s urban photography pushes the boundaries of the medium, as seen in works like Houston 1986 from his People series. These images combine urban landscapes with human figures, blending hyperrealism with dramatic color contrasts. The exhibition also features selections from his Fragments and American Light series, showcasing Fontana’s exploration of detail and abstraction.

Rare Polaroids and the Eroticism of Form

An entire section is dedicated to Fontana’s use of Polaroid and Polaroid transfer techniques. These visual “notes” reflect his innovative approach, capturing soft, dreamlike textures and revealing the subtle eroticism of the human form. Works like Nudo 1977 exemplify this unique aesthetic.

Urban Landscapes and Painted Walls

Fontana’s urban landscapes echo his natural compositions. Painted walls in Los Angeles become vibrant canvases, reminiscent of fields of grain. His juxtaposition of urban and natural imagery underscores the universality of his vision.

Highways and Movement

A dedicated section explores Fontana’s fascination with highways, asphalt, and automobiles. Utilizing long exposures, he transforms the mundane into dynamic studies of motion and form. Iconic works such as Autostrada 1975 and Asfalto 1990 illustrate his ability to distill fleeting moments into enduring art.

Fashion, Advertising, and Private Commissions

Fontana’s foray into fashion and advertising is celebrated in the final section. From his vibrant Artemide series to a stunning Ceramica 2010 piece, these works reveal his versatility and ongoing relevance. A video installation featuring his Sportmax campaign from 2020 offers a fitting conclusion.

Accessibility and Innovation

In line with its mission to make art accessible, the exhibition features innovative tools such as the “Abstract Library” project by Fabio Fornasari. This tactile, multi-sensory experience allows both sighted and visually impaired visitors to explore Fontana’s works. Audiodescriptions and sign language videos further enhance accessibility, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.

An Invitation to Rediscover Franco Fontana

“Franco Fontana. Retrospective” is more than an exhibition—it is an invitation to rediscover a master who transformed the landscape of photography. With its rich narrative, immersive design, and universal appeal, this showcase is set to be a cultural milestone, celebrating Fontana’s enduring legacy in the world of art.