An exhibition celebrating the extraordinary career of Franco Fontana, a master of color photography, featuring over 200 works that trace his artistic evolution through landscapes, nudes, and abstract geometries. An immersive journey enriched with installations, videos, and an accessible section, guiding the public in discovering the creative universe of the renowned photographer from Modena
From 13 December 2024 to 31 August 2025, the Ara Pacis Museum will host Franco Fontana. Retrospective, an exhibition dedicated to the master of color photography.
Curated by Jean-Luc Monterosso, the exhibition features over 200 works, spanning natural and urban landscapes, studies of form, and compositions characterized by vibrant colors and essential geometries that have revolutionized photographic language.
Among the iconic works is Puglia 1978, a symbol of a new approach to landscape photography, alongside the shots from the Skyline series, which helped redefine contemporary photography. The exhibition continues with rare Polaroids, black-and-white photographs from the Contact series, evocative urban views captured in Paris and Tokyo, and experimental depictions of asphalt and highways.
A special section is devoted to the relationship between art and technology, featuring collage, Polaroid transfer techniques, and a reconstruction of the artist’s studio, enriched with interviews and video installations. Also highlighted is Fontana’s exploration of discreet sensuality in female nudes, which reaches its pinnacle in his Polaroid works.
Read moreThe exhibition offers immersive spaces and accessible features, including audio descriptions and tactile paths, ensuring that all visitors can experience the art of Fontana. This journey through colors and forms is a unique opportunity to rediscover the work of a master who has transformed photography into an emotional and innovative art form.
The exhibition is promoted by Roma Capitale, Assessorato alla Cultura, Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali, and organized by Civita Mostre e Musei, Zètema Progetto Cultura, and Franco Fontana Studio. The catalog is published by Contrasto.
Mobility Partner: Atac; Partner: Berné; Radio Partner: Dimensione Suono Soft; Media Partners: RAI Cultura and RAI Pubblica Utilità; Fashion Partner: Rinascente; Travel Partner: Trainline.
Franco Fontana (Modena, 1933) is one of the greatest innovators in color photography. His career, which began in the 1960s, is a continuous dialogue between experimentation and technique. Self-taught, Fontana has developed a unique visual language, characterized by essential geometries, bold framing and a revolutionary use of color. His natural and urban landscapes, as well as his nudes and abstract compositions, are distinguished by vivid chromaticism and harmony between form and hue.
Read moreAmong his most famous works is Puglia 1978, which with the blue sky and yellow wheat redefined the visual approach to landscape. The publication of Skyline (1978) marked a turning point in contemporary photography, paving the way for “new Italian photography”. Exploring innovative techniques, Fontana has experimented with Polaroid, slide and digital, constantly renewing his expressive language.
With exhibitions in the world’s leading museums, Fontana is recognized as a master who has transformed reality into chromatic poetry, making color the beating heart of his artistic vision.
Every day from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Last entry one hour before closing
Closing days 1 May
