Franco Fontana, Pioneer of Color Photography, Dies at 92 in Modena

Franco Fontana, a prominent Italian photographer celebrated for his innovative approach to color and abstract landscapes, passed away on August 29, 2026, at the age of 92 in Modena. During the Brescia Photo Festival in 2024, he described color as 'his life.' Initially overlooked by his contemporaries, Fontana transformed photography by prioritizing vivid colors over monochrome. His distinctive style included 'scellerati' crops that abstracted reality, reminiscent of cubist art. Born in Modena in 1933, he started his photography journey in 1961, quickly adopting color film. His international acclaim featured a notable exhibition at MoMA in 1979 and contributions to French national culture. Fontana asserted that his images reflected his essence, stating, 'In my photos, I become the landscape.' His legacy highlights photography as a form of invention.