Letizia Battaglia's Mafia and Women Photography in Cagliari

Thirty photographs by Letizia Battaglia are on display in Cagliari as part of the Festival Pazza Idea, curated by Luna Scarlatta. The exhibition juxtaposes graphic crime scene images of mafia victims with intimate portraits of women, children, and religious processions. Battaglia, born in Palermo in 1935, began documenting Sicily's mafia violence during the Years of Lead. She has repeatedly stated, "I don't want to be defined as a mafia photographer anymore; my favorite subjects remain women." Among the works is a dramatic portrait of Rosaria Schifani, widow of a police escort agent killed alongside Giovanni Falcone, and an image of Falcone himself at the funeral of General Dalla Chiesa. A notable piece is the famous "girl with a ball," which Battaglia rediscovered after 38 years and re-photographed in the same alley.