Fotografia alla Carriera. Omaggio della fotografia Italiana ai maestri del Compasso d'Oro

Fotografia alla Carriera. Omaggio della fotografia italiana ai maestri del Compasso d’Oro is an exhibition project curated by Giovanni Chiaramonte and Michele Nastasi, dedicated to the figures awarded the Compasso d’Oro for lifetime achievement. The exhibition brings together 151 poster-format images, presenting itself both as a reflection of contemporary Italian photography and as a collective tribute to the masters of Italian design.

The project places photography at its core, inviting it to offer an original interpretation of the Compasso d’Oro lifetime awardees. The exhibition becomes an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between design and photography—a dialogue that goes beyond the purely instrumental use of images and that has contributed to the success of design products and the development of a true “design photography.”

The historical research conducted by the curators has revealed the limited visibility given to photography in relation to design from the 1950s to today, despite its importance in shaping the imagery of Italian design.

This research also guided the curators in pairing contemporary photographers with six major photographers of the past, each of whom approached design from unique perspectives, helping to define its image and narrate its context. Each invited participant engaged with this “tribute” in complete freedom of expression, offering both a snapshot of the masters awarded the Compasso d’Oro for lifetime achievement and an overview of the current state of Italian photography.

The exhibition thus also serves as a reflection on photography itself and as a recognition of the uniqueness, complexity, and excellence of the photographic field as it has developed over time in relation to Italian design. It is presented as a participatory experience, allowing each visitor the opportunity to take home their favorite poster.