Unconstrained and audacious photographer Oliviero Toscani's reputation speaks for itself, primarily due to his lengthy tenure as an Art Director at Benetton for over two decades. He made waves with his daring campaigns addressing taboo topics like sex, racial prejudice, war, capital punishment, and AIDS.
Controversy brewed around many of his initiatives, mixing business with social commentary, resulting in criticism, scrutiny, and even lawsuits. In his most recent venture, Toscani captured portraits of individuals from around the globe for the project Razza Humana, aiming to capture the human face.
Toscani's provocative campaigns continue to leave an indelible mark, as highlighted in a new retrospective exhibit in Milan titled "Oliviero Toscani: 50 Years of Brilliant Failures." The exhibit features 400 of his powerful images and key events, such as an interview with CNN where Toscani, now 75, candidly expresses his opinions against freedom, immigration, and Donald Trump.
"Few people are free," he declared, "and those who are must work harder to show the others how free they are."
Toscani's collaboration extends beyond Benetton, with notable partnerships with fashion publications like Vogue, Elle, GQ, and i-D.
Sources:
- edition.cnn.com
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliviero_Toscani
- adweek.com/creativity/10-oliviero-toscani-benetton-supercontroversial-ad-campaigns-137877
- designboom.com/fashion/oliviero-toscani-interviews-benetton-jeremy-scott-08-08-2011
- adforum.com/en/articles/16048-the-personal-brand-of-oliviero-toscani
