Italian photographer Lisetta Carmi dies at 98

Lisetta Carmi, the groundbreaking Italian photographer celebrated for her exploration of gender identity and social exclusion, passed away at the age of 98. Born in 1924 in Genoa to a Jewish family, she left her education behind during the era of racial laws. Initially studying piano, she transitioned to photography in 1960 and became involved in a strike advocating for marginalized communities. Her significant works include "L'Italsider" (1962), "Genova Porto" (1964), and the influential 1972 book "Travestiti," showcasing portraits of transgender women. She also captured images of notable cultural figures such as Judith Malina and Ezra Pound. In 1976, she encountered Indian master Babaji and established the Bhole Baba ashram in 1979. Recent exhibitions featured "Il senso della vita" (2015) and "Viaggio in Israele e Palestina" (2022). Tributes were paid by gallerist Pasquale Leccese and Culture Minister Dario Franceschini.