Customer Reviews

Sole e Ombra/Sun and Shadow (Italian Edition)

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Technically speaking, this book has three parts. In the first, the reader learns some about Dr. Mario DiGirolamo's life and some of his props--family, profession, and passion for Rolleiflex. The second part consists of 80 of his b&w large-size photos, that go back about 40 years. The third part is an index where the thumbnails of the photos are paired by brief notes revealing each photo's context. All the texts in the book are bi-lingual, Italian and English. And artistically speaking, as another reviewer pointed, DiGirolamo is in the great company of Italian neo-realists.

Have you ever wondered how the stoics might have looked like? Possible answers can still be found among the common people of different countries (e.g. Italy, Greece, Romania, Spain). As proof stand the characters captured by DiGirolamo on film and featured in this book. I am writing "characters" for each and every one of the people in this book are part of the piece called "LIFE," a piece whose main, and opposite, character is none other but time itself. And, I should add, DiGirolamo's featured buildings become people-echoing characters, in the same relationship with time. Most faces and buildings are like living maps of the times past, grave and silent, anonymously heroic. For those pondering about the deeper meaning of life and time, (at least some of) the people and places in "Sole e ombra" will seem remote and familiar at the same time.

At least in this act, time would have forced the other characters in the darkest of shadows had DiGirolamo not been in charge with the the (sun-)light. His photography makes for such a restrained yet powerful tool to withstand time.

The gorgeous black & white photography of Mario DiGirolamo brought me to the edge of tears. His mastering of the medium was even more appreciated in realizing these photos were taken over 4 decades of his life. His eye for tone and contrast is intelligent and expressive. The candid shots almost seem like theater.

Not only is this book a forum for the artistry of a well-seasoned photographer, but it serves as a history book that captures an opportunity to experience moments with folks I'd have loved to have known and places I'd loved to have been. This belongs on the shelf of every photography collector and anyone with a passion for Italy.

A loving and muscular portrait of the places and faces of Italy. Dr. DiGirolamo's black and white stills conjure the nostalgic power of Cartier-Bresson, DeSica and Rossellini's neo-realism. Stare and ponder over and over again.