Oliviero Toscani: An Unforgettable Maestro

The passing of Oliviero Toscani leaves an unfillable void in the world of photography. The Italian master, known for his provocative and iconic images, marked an era, stimulating debates and reflections on social and cultural issues.

Born in Milan in 1942, Toscani built an extraordinary career, characterized by a continuous search for new forms of expression and a desire to break down clichés. His advertising campaigns for the Benetton brand, in particular, have aroused mixed reactions, but have undoubtedly contributed to making him one of the most discussed and followed photographers of his time.

A controversial but lasting legacy

Toscani was a provocateur in the noblest sense of the term: he used images to stimulate debate, to make people reflect on the most urgent social issues, to challenge preconceptions. His photographs, often bloody and direct, have caused scandal and indignation, but have also opened new perspectives and helped raise public awareness on issues such as race, disease, and war.

Oliviero Toscani’s legacy is complex and controversial, but undoubtedly enduring. His images will continue to be studied and discussed for many years to come, and his influence will be felt in the works of many photographers.

A master meets a student: Toscani’s legacy

His legacy also lives on in the words of those who were lucky enough to meet him and learn from him. Barbara Pigazzi, photographer and art director, shared a touching tribute to the master, recalling their meeting in Venice in 2023:

“I met Oliviero in April 2023 in Venice during the masterclass with Settimio Benedusi on photographic portraiture. His charisma and mastery combined with great knowledge deeply affected me and today, two years later, I am grateful for his teachings.”

Pigazzi emphasizes the profound impact that Toscani had on her vision of photography: “This morning, when I learned of his death, I was filled with a deep sense of inner emptiness, and I decided to pay homage to him in my own small way, here on the island.”

Oliviero Toscani’s words, “But you, do you want to be a florist or a portraitist?”, were a turning point in Pigazzi’s career, pushing her to focus on portraiture and understand the importance of human connection in photography.

“To be a Good Photographer you have to be a Great Author.” This teaching has become a guiding light in her practice, guiding her to create portraits that tell stories and connect deeply with her subjects.

Thank you Oliviero

We dedicate our farewell to the great master Oliviero Toscani through the words and emotions of Barbara Pigazzi:

“I met Oliviero, in April 2023 in Venice during the masterclass with Settimio Benedusi, on photographic portraiture.
His charisma and his mastery combined with great knowledge, deeply tested me and today, two years later, all my gratitude for his teachings.

This morning, when I learned the news of his death, a deep sense of inner emptiness pervaded me, and I decided to pay homage to him in my own small way, here on the island.

Thank you Oliviero, simply thank you for having met you on the path of my professional life.
I still remember when you said to me, do you want to be a florist or a portraitist?
There you see, dear Oliviero, who I am today is also thanks to you, and to that radical change that you contributed to my photography.

To be a Good Photographer you have to be a Great Author. (Oliviero Toscani)
Knowing how to give, welcome the other, with magic in your eyes, and put that portrait, your story, inside it.
The photographic portrait is Human Relationship.

Thank you Oliviero
“May the sky be light on you, have a good trip Maestro”