As a photographer myself, I always enjoy discovering new artists who are doing great work. I found Gianluca on Instagram, his black and white photos are stunning and they tell stories that are open to interpretation. A native of Lake Como, Gianluca gets to work in one of the most visually stunning places in the world, and his choice to mute the vibrant colors of the region is a bold choice. I had a chance to interview Gianluca about his work and his plans for the future.
TGR: So you are based in a small town on Lake Como in Italy, is that where you are originally from?
Aggi: Yes, I am originally from Lake Como. I only lived for a short time in Milan to study and work.
TGR: Lake Como is an amazing place, what is it like living there and not just being a tourist?
Aggi: Life on Lake Como has changed a lot in the last twenty years, rapidly transforming itself into a place of rather intense tourism. From my point of view, I have adapted, when I'm not in the office I try to live like a tourist! Pollution is reduced, nature is very luxuriant and enveloping. When I go hunting for street photos, art exhibitions, cultural events, I go a few kilometers and go to some big city nearby.
TGR: How did you get your start in photography?
Aggi: I started taking pictures when I often traveled around Italy for work. But they were trivial, color photos of a typical tourist, they didn't satisfy me. The results were not as artistic, personal, and time-stamped as I wanted. After some time, during my readings, I came across a photo of Cartier-Bresson. It struck me so much that I became interested in photographers from the 1950s and 1960s. Film in black and white in the camera and long walks in search of the ideal shot. With the transition to digital, I learned to work on small projects always trying to improve myself.
TGR: Is photography your full-time job?
Aggi: Until now, photography takes up only a part of my life, it is a way to interpret, recreate, and experience the different realities that inspire me.
TGR: Shooting cars is a recent addition to your photography, what drew you to classic cars?
Aggi: Historic cars have always fascinated me, they are witnesses of ways of living that are now far from ours, they contain stories of constructors, designers, and visionary dreamers. Knowing the passion that drives the owners of their cars is very interesting. Furthermore, the lines, the details, and the bodywork stimulate and adapt well to my photographic style.
TGR: What is one of your favorite shoots or chance captures?
Aggi: The photo I am most fond of is the first that seemed close to my purpose several years ago. A discreet black and white, maybe simple ... A man sitting on the steps of his old house playing with his hands with the clothes hanging out to dry. Taken in my mother's hometown.
TGR: Do you have exhibitions or sell your work?
Aggi: I did a group exhibition in an ancient building in my small city, a solo exhibition in a small town in the center of the lake, I exhibited in some bars and restaurants in the area. Through the Urban Photo Award competition, I exhibited in a bistro in Budapest and Trieste. On request, I can sell the photos with Passepartout and handmade frames. I am not ruling out online sales in the near future.
TGR: Where is the best place people can follow you?
Aggi: For the moment I would say to follow me on Instagram @gianluca.aggi.
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