"Lost the Compass" ~ Italy

Growing up in an Italian-American household and living with my paternal immigrant

grandparents for five years, established in me strong cultural ties and a curiosity

about Italy.

When I became a photographer, I yearned to travel, and Italy was utmost on my list

of places to explore.

In 1975, I made an extended journey throughout Italy, resulting in the series that

I am presenting titled “Perso la Bussola” (“Lost the Compass”). This phrase was

coined by a friend who lived in Venice to aptly describe the way I approached

photographing. Loosely explained, I intuitively move about the streets of a city,

drawn towards subjects and situations conducive to my way of seeing. A detail

glimpsed in the corner of my eye might encourage me to venture down a particular

street.

My intention with this series is to present a document of the street life of Italian

cities and towns in the 1970s. The photographs inform the viewer of styles of dress,

public behavior, social interactions and people’s relationship with their immediate

environment.

My intention is to reveal something of human nature without criticizing, belittling or

judging, and maintain an appreciation for the dignity of humankind.

-Patrick D. Pagnano