by InTrieste
At the historic Church of San Francesco in Udine, a unique exhibition unfolds, capturing the enigmatic essence of New York City through the discerning lens of Italian photographer Euro Rotelli. “NEW YORK PAUL AUSTER AND ME,” curated by Elena Cantori and supported by the EContemporary gallery and Start Cultura, runs until July 7, 2024.
Featuring approximately 90 black-and-white photographs, the exhibition is a visual narrative inspired by the works of New York writer Paul Auster, with a particular emphasis on his famed New York Trilogy. Rotelli’s photographic journey delves into the multifaceted nature of the metropolis, echoing Auster’s literary explorations and presenting an introspective reflection on the city’s inherent contradictions.
“My photographic story is composed of sensations in an attempt, like Paul Auster in his books, to explore and, hopefully, understand this unique and incredible city,” Rotelli explains. “It involved endless wandering, through different journeys and seasons, in both real and imagined places, among people and things, between inside and outside, until I confused and lost myself. In my eyes, the city; in my mind, the pages I had read; and in my heart, a tangle of emotions.”
The images juxtapose the glittering affluence of New York’s skyscrapers with the concealed poverty within Manhattan’s hidden corners. This interplay of light and shadow is central to Rotelli’s photographic narrative, mirroring Auster’s portrayal of the city’s stark dichotomies and existential labyrinths.
“New York is indefinable and incomprehensible, a city of contrasts and contradictions,” Rotelli continues. “Through his characters, Paul Auster describes and highlights this ambiguity, contrasting the wealth and sparkle of skyscrapers with the poverty and misery hidden in Manhattan’s folds, the virtual madness of his protagonists with the real madness of its inhabitants.”
Visitors are guided through a labyrinthine exhibition that encapsulates the vibrant energy and profound stillness of the city that never sleeps. The collection intersperses Rotelli’s evocative photographs with his reflective musings and Auster’s literary excerpts, creating an immersive experience that bridges street photography, literature, and the essence of travel.
“NEW YORK PAUL AUSTER AND ME” is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and will be on view until July 7, 2024.
