Letizia Battaglia (Photofile)

The perfect primer on renowned Italian photographer Letizia Battaglia.

Born in Palermo, Letizia Battaglia (1935–2022) took up journalism as a single mother, but discovered that it was easier to sell articles if she could also supply photographs. She became a news photographer for L’Ora, a Sicilian daily newspaper that took a stand against the Mafia and its political and economic connections. Between 1976 and 1991, she was a witness to some of the bloodiest events in Italian history, including the killing of judges, police officers and politicians. While these images brought her international recognition, she strongly opposed the label of ‘Mafia photographer’ and believed that her aim was to seek out life. She built up a many-sided portrait of her Sicilian homeland, developing a special sensitivity to women, girls and young children, and a deep empathy with those living in poverty. Her work stands as proof that both joy and suffering are part of the experience of being in the world.

About the Author

Walter Guadagnini is the director of CAMERA – Centro Italiano per la fotografia in Turin – and professor of Art History and History of Photography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna.