With the beginning of the cold weather when outdoor activities are getting replaced by the indoor ones, one might start looking for them in Milan. Among various bright and educational locations, currently it is possible to visit a temporary exhibition of a photographer, Carlo Orsi, held in the Palazzo Morando.

Carlo Orsi’s exhibition in Milan

By being located in the heart of Milan in the Palazzo Morando, the exhibition titled Miracoli a Milano is easy to reach. Moreover, it is held from 31 of October 2024 until 2nd of February 2025, which leaves plenty of time to plan the visit. There you will be able to enjoy 100 black and white photos, walking down the divided itinerary. The exhibition is organized into several sections highlighting Carlo Orsi‘s career. His works, including those for the books magazines, portraits of notable individuals and collaborations in spheres like architecture and fashion are being represented.

Who was Carlo Orsi?

Being born in the heart of the Brera district and dedicating his whole life to photography, Carlo Orsi is now known as the most prominent and important figure in the field from Italy. Although the artist was born during a very destructive and brutal period in history, during World War 2, he was still able to catch great shots of the city, developing his curious style and view in the process. Instead of simply defining himself as an artist, he called himself a master, mastering such fields as photojournalism, fashion photography, portraiture and documentary photography. While mainly focusing on exploring and capturing Milan in his “poetic” way and being truly dedicated to his work, he was also able to travel to such places like Tibet, Uganda and others to highlight suffering and hope while documenting social issues and humanitarian efforts. 

On the three-year anniversary of his death, Palazzo Morando is holding an exhibition to showcase his impactful work, allowing to explore his life and Milan in great detail and from his curious point of view.  

Milan in the eyes of Carlo Orsi

Milano sits at the precipice of luxury and hardship—sophistication and grit. The city’s soul is revealed through its monumental structures and in the mystique of its imperfections, a resilience embedded in daily moments. Through Carlo Orsi’s photogenic eye, he offers a glimpse of a Milano that reveres in its heritage while simultaneously keeping an open mind to the curious unknown.

Milan – the exposed soul.

Picture on the left perfectly encapsulates the gritty side of Milano, through the bridge covered completely by graffiti and walking citizens. It can be considered a mix of the unfiltered urban reality and artistry, an overall testament to Milano’s dual identity. That being, a rough-edged but cultivated city.

Whereas the picture on the right demonstrates the modern architecture dominating in the Porta Nuova neighbourhood. A sense for high aspirations of the city’s contemporary transformations is suggested by the sharp angles of the walkaway. In contrast with the endless sky it conveys the feeling of openness – which Milano’s built upon in the first place.

Give me the idea – fashion & advertising

The first photograph shows an unforgettable moment in the industry of motorsports, featuring the Superbike legend, Carl Forgarty, on a Ducati motorcycle. The vehicle can give off the impression of being a valuable artefact, thanks to the two shadowy figures meticulously handling it. Overall, a noteworthy composition combining tranquillity with potential motion.

In the second photo the attention’s immediately drawn to the intentional placement – at the front – of a San Pellegrino bottle. Its label mixed with the woman’s carefree pose embodies playfulness, suggesting the idea that luxury could be joyful, at times.

Places of the heart – reportage

This image above depicts an isolated figure standing against the geometric background of The Martin Gropius Bau (a historic exhibition hall in Berlin) where artist Joseph Beuys displayed his creative spirit. Carlo Orsi’s poetic eye for beauty is apparent, as through the lights, shadows and reflective grids, he perfectly portrays introspection with a hint of isolation.

Fine heads and tough faces – portraits

The photograph on the left, featuring famous actress Claudia Cardinale in 1986, and the one on the right, capturing singer-songwriter and actress Loredana Berte in 1983, exemplify the emotional depth of his works and connection with the models. Not only by looking at the works, but also by referring to those who have worked with Carlo Orsi it is clear that his attitude to work was unique. Thus, for instance, Arnaldo Pomodoro states that Carlo is “ the only photographer who makes me feel comfortable in front of the camera…”. Indeed, this sentiment underscores how Orsi‘s portraits radiate genuine energy and emotion, qualities that are authentic and cannot be fabricated.

In the first image, Carlo Orsi captured Gualtiero Marchesi, the renowed chef who’s radiating confidence. While for Umberto Veronesi, the reputed oncologist, his wise and calm demeanour is perfectly reflected. Well-done portraits, aiming to go beyond the notion of simply just public personas.

“Every portrait requires an encounter and the thought that the encounter brings with it. Instead, when I see motorbike racers, Valentino Rossi or Marco Simoncelli, I am instantly moved. Life lived on the limit, a stone’s throw from disaster. It is humanity at its most extraordinary, ancient and mysterious”.

Carlo Orsi

^{Featured image by Monica Tofan (Ph)}