I am a social observer and participant. My photography has taken me far and wide to all parts of the world, and most especially to Italy, my ancestry. I am an Italian citizen from the birth of my Abruzzese paternal grandparents from Barete (L’Aquila).  Much of my photographic work has been predominately done within Italy, particularly in Rome, where I lived for several years during the 1970’s, a particularly interesting period, often described as the Anni di Piombo (the years of lead) because of the rise of terrorism and political upheaval. I have produced several monographs of my work from Italy including the Angels of Pompeii (with Robert Bly)1992, Afraid of the Dark: A Venetian Story in 2014, The Fire of Rome in 2016, and ROME 1970s in 2019.

My photography has always been quite deliberate, most purposeful, and what I would call orchestrated. I have never been fond of working the streets or blindly probing nature, rather my belief is in creating my own nature as a socially driven image-maker. Occasionally, I have chosen to work with models beginning with some direction, but more importantly I have always been open to the “dialogue” we could create, abandoning the script. For me, it’s like choosing a dancing partner, and then performing together. I welcome the spontaneity of our dance, as we begin with some basic steps, even what I would call missteps, which can be the most interesting occurrence. I prefer working with film, using the most basic materials allowing for the alchemy to occur. The darkened room is the final stage where the image may reveal itself. It may please me, or disappoint, all part of the discovery. This is what excites me and keeps me going.

Stephan Brigidi