Renato D'AGOSTIN

Renato D’Agostin is an Italian photographer based in Venice, a city renowned for its stunning canals and rich artistic heritage. He is best known for his exceptional black-and-white silver gelatin prints and elegantly designed books, which capture the essence of his photographic vision. D'Agostin started his photography career in Venice in 2001. The city's vibrant atmosphere and unique character nourished his curiosity and passion for capturing the extraordinary and the mundane with his camera.

In 2002, he embarked on a significant journey through the capitals of Western Europe to broaden his horizons. After spending time in Milan, he travelled across the Atlantic to draw inspiration from the vibrant energy of New York City, where he had the opportunity to meet the acclaimed photographer Ralph Gibson. This encounter led to him becoming Gibson's assistant, from whom he absorbed invaluable knowledge and skills. His outstanding works have been showcased in numerous exhibitions throughout Europe, the United States and Asia, and have been featured in various publications. Several of his most notable prints have entered the collections of renowned institutions such as the BnF in Paris, the Library of Congress, the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., the International Center of Photography in New York, LACMA in Los Angeles, the Center for Creative Photography in Arizona and the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris. This extensive recognition emphasises the significant influence his work has on the art world. By displacing subjects from their conventional contexts, he illustrates his interpretation of the environments surrounding him. By exploring the complex interplay between architecture and the individuals who occupy these spaces, he creates a new avenue in the viewer's imagination, encouraging personal introspection and connection to the concept of place.

After spending thirteen stimulating years in New York, D’Agostin returned to his homeland of Italy in 2018. He set up  a new studio in a refurbished warehouse on the outskirts of Venice. This marked a return to his roots and a new chapter in his creative journey as he continued to explore the richness of his artistic expression against the vibrant cultural backdrop of Italy. He finds inspiration in the region's landscapes and enchanting narratives. With each new project, he aims not only to create breathtaking imagery, but also to tell a story and connect viewers to the heart of Italy’s artistic legacy and its influence on his work.

In the 'Light Notes' dark room performance, D'Agostin manipulates light and seeks out contrasts with his hands. He views photography as the sculpture of light. This 'Light Notes' project celebrates imperfections, transforming them into valuable and innovative elements of the creative process. By using his expertise in the darkroom, he has skilfully crafted the project into an interactive journal where the audience can jot down notes and sketch ideas, like a personal diary illuminated through a darkroom lens. Lines appear on the reverse of these pristine white test prints, with each Light Notes evolving into a unique series of light fragments. Each print begins a new journey, emerging directly from D'Agostin's darkroom and telling its own unique story.

D'Agostin's careful darkroom printing technique requires thorough testing and experimentation to achieve the stunning tonal and volumetric quality that has characterised his work over the years. This commitment symbolises a lifetime engaged in the captivating and transformative realm of red light, where each print evolves into a profound photographic experience, rather than merely an image.

Renato D'Agostin’s work conveys a polished aesthetic, merging thoughtfulness and grace with a unique and innovative visual language. By viewing life through a lens both of amazement and apprehension, he finds visual solutions that are both uplifting and captivating. His expertise in the darkroom process enables him to imbue his negatives with personal, expressive depth. A fully dedicated and passionately committed artist, he is continuously aiming to revitalise the art of traditional black-and-white silver gelatin photography.