Opening Thursday October 10, from 6pm unitl 9pm
For the first time, Gallery Hioco Delany presents photographic work in the exhibition Imitation of Life. Gavino Fauzia (1986, Antwerp) offers his unique perspective on the world with a series of works that portray everyday life in a playful manner. With a keen eye for detail and an intuitive approach to documentary photography, he captures intriguing snapshots.
Fauzia grew up amidst the Italian community in Limburg. It’s therefore no surprise that Italy often serves as the backdrop for his work. From the idyllic coastal region of Liguria in the north to the southern landscapes of Sicily and Puglia, and the urban setting of Naples: the Italian peninsula remains a constant source of inspiration for Fauzia.
For this photo series, Fauzia documents every step he takes at Italy's popular landmarks. Yet, he always strives to add an unexpected element to his work. It is precisely these elements that add an extra layer to his photographic pieces. He often relies on chance, joyful occurrences, or special events. A girl in pink glasses photobombing a stark yellow composition, or metal fences ruining the perfect postcard scene of an Italian bay; for Fauzia, these are the perfect additions that transform his aesthetic images into a documentation of simple life.
Imitation of Life explores the boundaries between aesthetics and documentation. Fauzia doesn't seek out staged perfection but spontaneously searches for an honest representation of the world. Photographers like Massimo Vitali, Joel Sternfeld, and Martin Parr have been major influences on Fauzia. The exhibition's title is borrowed from a 2011 song by R.E.M., whose music video, with its carefree summer vibe, beautifully encapsulates Fauzia's work.
Text by Jens Roothoofd