'Migration #7'
'Migration #5'
'Migration #4'
'Migration #2'
Paolo Patrizi is a self-taught documentary photographer, whose recent stories explore a theme, common to many of us in the so-called developed world: the contradictions between traditions and modernity and cultural disconnections produced from too rapid economic growth. The industry of online dating and speed wedding vs. old fashion matchmaking and ceremonies in traditional gowns in Japan exemplifies what Patrizi calls "the continuum of memories and landscapes."
"Cities dramatically act out their history of rebirth and development, yet the configuration of memories and landscape that make up a country, put it out of phase with Europe's historic cities. In Italy, the way in which cities are configured are inherently "historic" whereas in Japan, cityscapes are now totally modernized, so much that one has to look hard to find historic elements and characteristic scenes."
'Migration' is a series of photographs depicting forest areas outside of Rome where prostitutes carry out their work away from indiscreet eyes. Captured void of human presence and in broad daylight, these semi-urban photographic still-lives document remain of old mattresses, cutout card boxes, plastic garden chairs and half consumed rolls of toilet paper strategically disposed branches. While the exploitation of prostitutes is a considered a crime in Italy, prostitution in itself is currently legal and reports show that estimated 45% of Italian men visit prostitutes at least once a year, 80% of which are illegal immigrants of African descent.
Born and educated in Italy, Patrizi began his career working as an assistant to other professionals. While doing some freelance assignments for British magazines and design groups, he started to develop individual projects of his own. He currently lives in Japan.
To see more of his work registered on Saatchi Online click here.
Constance Gounod
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