Mario Testino on 'A Beautiful World': Identity, Color, and Natural Light

Mario Testino discusses his exhibition 'A Beautiful World' at Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome, curated by Patrick Kinmonth and produced by Arthemisia in collaboration with Domus Artium Reserve and the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation. The project, begun in 2017, documents traditions and people across 30 countries, emphasizing identity and wonder. Testino reflects on his Peruvian heritage, his struggle to assimilate in London, and his eventual embrace of his roots. He cites Irving Penn as an inspiration for his portable studio setup. The photographer insists on using natural light, which he calls 'the only true light.' The exhibition features hundreds of photographs capturing costumes, rituals, and communities from the Sahrawi in Morocco to women of Lagartera in Spain, the Shepherd's Ball in Sicily, the Rakubi village in Ethiopia, Noh theater in Japan, and a costume made from recycled can tabs by Congolese artist Eddy Ekete Mombesa. Testino also recounts how the project began in 2007 when he documented a collection of 150 traditional Peruvian dresses from Cuzco. He notes that color was once discouraged in fashion photography but now he feels free to use it. Testino, a Knight of the British Empire and Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, is known for portraits of Lady Diana, Kate Moss, and Madonna. The interview was conducted by Manuela De Leonardis for Artribune.