Luigi Ghirri

(b Scandiano, Reggio Emilia, 5 Jan 1943). Italian photographer. He became interested in photography in 1970, when he began to take pictures in collaboration with conceptual artists. From 1972 his images were widely exhibited and published both at home and abroad. His use of colour to create surprising images out of everyday life and common surroundings combined acute wit with formal elegance. A major figure in post-war Italian photography, he published several books, including Kodachrome (Modena, 1978), Luigi Ghirri (Parma, 1979), Luigi Ghirri (Milan, 1983) and Capri (Turin, 1983). He wrote regularly for several Italian periodicals and taught at Parma University.

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Ghirri, Luigi (1943-92), influential photographer of the Italian cultural landscape. Born in Reggio Emilia and educated in Modena, Ghirri began photographing in 1970 and was influenced by contemporary American photographers, including the topographical photography of William Eggleston. Ghirri shared with Eggleston an interest in the naturalistic use of colour, but brought a keen intellect and sense of humour to his work. His 1975 series ∞ consisted of 365 pictures of the sky shot on consecutive days. He exhibited widely in Italy and Europe in the 1970s, and more than 30 books have been published on his work. Through mentorship and by stimulating group projects he influenced a generation of Italian photographers.

— Molly Rogers

Bibliography

• Constantini, P., and Chiaramonte, P. and G. (eds.), Luigi Ghirri: niente di antico sotto il sole (1997)