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Giorgio Bonomi Publishes Third Volume of 'Il corpo solitario' Encyclopedia of Self-Portrait Photography

publication · 2026-04-27

Italian art historian Giorgio Bonomi has unveiled the third installment of 'Il corpo solitario' (Rubbettino Editore, 2021), an extensive encyclopedia chronicling photographic self-portraiture from the past fifty years. This three-volume work showcases numerous artists from the 1970s onward, categorized into thematic sections. Each entry includes a biographical summary, iconographic references, and critical analysis. Bonomi's exploration, which began with his fascination for Body Art and a 2004 exhibition in Pinerolo, aims to create a thorough encyclopedia that features both renowned and obscure artists. He differentiates self-portraiture from selfies and highlights how women have historically utilized self-portraiture to assert their identities. A sequel may follow, as Bonomi has over two hundred additional names to consider.

Key facts

  • Giorgio Bonomi published the third volume of 'Il corpo solitario' in 2021.
  • The work is a three-volume encyclopedia of photographic self-portraiture.
  • It covers artists from the 1970s to the present.
  • The book includes hundreds of artists organized into thematic chapters.
  • Bonomi's research began twenty years ago, influenced by Body Art and Marcel Duchamp.
  • A 2004 exhibition in Pinerolo titled 'Il corpo solitario' initiated the project.
  • Bonomi distinguishes self-portraiture from selfies, considering selfies unlikely to be art.
  • The third volume may have a sequel due to over two hundred additional artists.
  • Notable artists mentioned include Jane Freud, Matuschka, and Jemima Stehli.
  • The book is published by Rubbettino Editore, Soveria Mannelli, 368 pages, €40.

Entities

Artists

  • Giorgio Bonomi
  • Marcel Duchamp
  • Jane Freud
  • Lucian Freud
  • Sigmund Freud
  • Matuschka
  • Jemima Stehli
  • Giovanni Gastel
  • Peggy Halna de Fretay
  • Giulia Di Clemente

Institutions

  • Rubbettino Editore
  • Biennale di Scultura di Gubbio
  • Titolo
  • New York Times
  • Young British Artists
  • Biennale di Venezia
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Roma
  • Italy
  • Verona
  • Steyr
  • Austria
  • Pinerolo
  • Londra
  • England
  • Soveria Mannelli

Sources