Giovanni Gastel's Poetic Universe Explored in Milan Exhibition

Palazzo Citterio in Milan hosts 'Giovanni Gastel. Rewind', a non-chronological immersive exhibition curated by Uberto Frigerio and designed by Gianni Fiore, exploring the life and career of photographer Giovanni Gastel (Milan, 1955-2021). The show presents over 250 images spanning from his first fashion covers in 1977 to innovative still lifes, Polaroids, and 'Fondi oro', alongside his poetry and writings displayed for the first time. Gastel, who began photographing in 1972 and produced still lifes for Christie's between 1975-1976, created over 170 covers and 500 campaigns for fashion houses. He was an early adopter of digital post-production in the 1990s, known for blending craftsmanship with innovation. The exhibition includes a new project, 'Le Madonne Candelore', created with Simone Guidarelli, featuring thirty triptychs of the Madonna reinterpreted through overstyling with precious materials. A never-before-seen video concludes the show. Gastel, called 'Milan's ambassador par excellence' by Harper's Bazaar USA, had deep ties to the city, supporting initiatives like Progetto Itaca Milano and IEO. The exhibition emphasizes his view of photography as a parallel world, not a mirror of reality.