"Painting with light" is a term which has been used to describe photography, and certainly, the work of some photographers is art. As with other mediums, photography requires observation and interpretation to achieve images which provoke thought and discussion. Such images can become possessions as prized as the work of noted painters or sculptors, just think of Ansel Adams .

Italy has no shortage of photographers exploring this medium to create contemporary art. Indeed, there is an association dedicated to the promotion of the work of Italian photographers. This Milan based association, the simply named Fotografia Italiana - Italian Photography, was founded quite recently by art collector, Nicoletta Rusconi.

The aims of Fotografia Italiana are clear - its prime objective is to encourage Italian photographers to undertake artistic research.

For those interested in photography as a contemporary art medium, the Fotografia Italiana website is well worth visiting, and there is an extensive section in English.

Not to be missed is the ‘Artists’ section which contains a long list of photographic artists, some of whom, such as Alessandro Vicario , have their own websites where examples of their works may be explored.

In addition to profiling photographic artists , Fotografia Italiana also has a mine of information on current and forthcoming exhibitions.

You may start your voyage into the world of contemporary Italian photographic art here: Fotografia Italiana

Pistoia born Italian sculptor, to whom I spoke today, Luigi Galligani, produces art based on, in the words of the artist himself, ‘Mediterranean myths’. You may agree that his work could be said to be refreshingly original and modern interpretations of figures having their origins in Roman and Greek antiquity.

Working mainly in terracotta and bronze, Galligani’s work is both intriguing and thought provoking. Indeed, his mythically inspired themes have understandably attracted the attention of various galleries around the world.

Born in 1957, Galligani trained at the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence and Carrara. He currently works from his studio which is located in Castellina in Chianti, near Siena.

This artist’s work has also achieved critical acclaim, and he has been hailed as:

"…one of the latest generation of “masters” of Italian sculpture" - Francesco Gurrieri Art Diary Critic, 2003

Here is a selection of Galligani’s pieces:

[Show as slideshow]

Should you wish to see more examples of Galligani’s work, then they can be viewed in various locations both around Europe and in North America. The list below provides the locations and dates of exhibitions displaying this artist’s work:

• Rarity Gallery Mykonos Greece (April - October 2008)
• Interart Sculpture Garden Heeswijk - Dinther Holland (May - October 2008)
• Sculpture Exhibition Chateau Neercanne (Gallery bell’Arte ) Maastricht - Holland (May - September 2008)
• Personal Exhibition Gallery bell’arte Maastricht - Holland (November 2008)
• "The Odissey Within" Agora Gallery, New York (December 2008)

More details, and examples of Galligani’s work and information about the artist himself, including contact details, can be found on his personal website: Luigi Galligani

With thanks to Mr Galligani, firstly for having taken the time to speak to me, and for having very kindly given his permission, orally, for Italy is in to display some examples of his work.

If you are interested in knowing more about contemporary Italian art, then some knowledge of Italian terms commonly used in connection with art will help you understand what you are looking at.

Here are some commonly used terms:

acquerello –watercolour
acquerello su carta — watercolour on paper
acrilici — acrylic
autentica dell’autore –authenticated by the artist
bronzo –bronze
carta — paper
cartoncino — card
cera –wax
datato — dated
firmato — signed
inchiostro — ink
matita –pencil
olio su tela — oil on canvas
pastelli –pastel
pennarello –felt tip pen
rame — copper
smalto –enamel
tecnica mista — mixed technique
terracotta –earthenware/terracotta
titolo –title
titolo ed anno al retro –title and year on rear
valutazione –valuation or estimate