Di Gennaro's "POMPEI – Architetture dello sguardo" Explores Photography and Heritage at Matera's Archivio di Stato

The photographic exhibition "POMPEI – Architetture dello sguardo" by Antonello Di Gennaro is currently displayed at the Archivio di Stato di Matera. This showcase reinterprets Pompeii by concentrating on its fragments—such as surfaces, structures, erosion patterns, and color variations—rather than its grand entirety. Utilizing black-and-white images captured with a smartphone, Di Gennaro challenges the typical tourist portrayal of the archaeological site, probing the dynamics between photography and cultural heritage. As both a venue and a conceptual partner, the Archivio di Stato di Matera emphasizes the connection between archival preservation and photographic choices. This initiative is part of MIPphest 2026 – Orizzonti fluidi and the Matera Capitale Mediterranea della Cultura e del Dialogo 2026 program. By contrasting Pompeii with Matera—two locations intertwined by stone and history—Di Gennaro invites a critical examination of how heritage is perpetually reshaped through cultural, institutional, and media influences. The work navigates the space between documentary photography and artistic inquiry, highlighting the significance of framing and formal simplicity. Courtesy: Archivio di Stato di Matera, foto Antonello Di Gennaro.