On October 27th, Lalettura’s Corriere Art Collection unveils a cover that delves into the transformative power of self-image – "My Hidden Ego" by Monica Silva.
Renowned for her profound photographic portraits, Italo-Brazilian artist Monica Silva has long been celebrated for her unique ability to capture the essence of her subjects. "My Hidden Ego" explores the delicate interplay between self-perception and outward identity, employing photography not just as an art form but as a tool for enhancing self-esteem and revealing the hidden layers of personality. Presented earlier this year at Fabbrica del Vapore, this piece includes the media live performance video "15 Minutes to Be Real," invites viewers to experience the emotional and introspective journey through Silva's lens, where each portrait becomes a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and acceptance.
The physical issue will hit newsstands nationwide starting Sunday, October 27th. Shortly thereafter, the edition featuring the digital collectible version of the cover – complete with a digital certificate of authenticity – will be available on Tuesday, October 29th.
Monica Silva: Capturing the Soul Through the Lens
Monica Silva has long been a fixture in the world of portrait photography, celebrated for her intuitive ability to reveal the essence of those she photographs. Born in São Paulo and drawing from her Italo-Brazilian heritage, Silva's work is a dialogue between her vibrant Brazilian roots and the nuanced cultural landscape of Italy, where she has lived for over thirty-five years.
Her portraits go beyond the surface, capturing profound expressions of personal identity. Silva's talent for revealing her subjects' inner worlds has made her a favored photographer among icons like filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino and artist Toni Servillo. Her acclaimed portrait of Gillo Dorfles, which showcased an intimate glimpse into the artist's soul, won her the Best Photography Award at the Venice Biennale in 2011.
Silva’s influence stretches across continents through her collaborations with significant cultural institutions like UNESCO and Nikon Italia, creating works that blend art with a deep sense of historical and personal narrative. Her projects, such as the books "Libertà Perpetua, San Marino Heritage of Humanity" and "It’s a Nikon, It’s an Icon," reflect her philosophy that every photograph tells a story.
Her exhibitions, like "Sacred and Profane" and "Art Beyond Imagination," challenge viewers to see beyond the image to the story beneath. In June 2024, Silva presented "My Hidden Ego" at Fabbrica del Vapore, a project that captured public imagination with its innovative approach to self-perception through photography, highlighted by the performance "15 Minutes to Be Real."
Monica Silva’s portraits are more than photographs; they are windows into the souls of her subjects, offering viewers a chance to see the unseen and appreciate the complexity of human emotion.
Exploring the Layers: "My Hidden Ego”
Launching with the October 27th cover of Lalettura's Corriere Art Collection, "My Hidden Ego" by Monica Silva invites us into a world where photography meets profound self-discovery. This project, born from Silva's fascination with the psychology of self-perception, uses the photographic lens as a tool to uncover the hidden depths of personal identity.
At the heart of "My Hidden Ego" is the transformative experience of the live performance "15 Minutes to Be Real." Here, participants engage in a session where they are photographed in a setting free from the usual embellishments of portrait photography. This raw, unfiltered encounter aims to strip away the layers of social personas, revealing the core of individual self-esteem and identity. Each participant leaves with not just a portrait but a piece of introspective art that speaks to their true self.
The project's narrative depth is enhanced by Silva’s unique approach, which combines therapeutic techniques with artistic expression. Through her lens, participants confront their own images, seeing themselves anew, often for the first time without the masks they wear daily. The resulting collection of portraits offers a powerful commentary on the complexities of modern identities, challenging viewers to rethink how they perceive themselves and others.
"My Hidden Ego" does more than capture images; it captures moments of vulnerability and authenticity. The project culminates in a series of exhibitions and interactive sessions, further encouraging a dialogue about the nature of self and how we present ourselves to the world.
"Photography is a commitment to oneself but especially to our subjects. We photographers tell their story and, along with theirs, our own." - Monica Silva
Recognizing the profound impact of Silva's work, Gianluigi Colin, Art Director of Corriere della Sera, highlights how this project marks a significant moment for LaLettura.
“For the first time in the history of la Lettura, we are featuring on the cover 180 truly special portraits: women and men who have decided to bare their inner selves, revealing their identities beyond the mask of conventions. These images are the result of a project by Italo-Brazilian artist Monica Silva (São Paulo, 1965) titled My Hidden Ego, a research endeavor that originated from various "actions" staged at the Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan, which will find future exhibitions in Italy and abroad. Straddling the line between art and psychoanalysis, this project became concrete thanks to the artist's special sensitivity in guiding her photographed subjects much like a psychoanalyst would with a patient exploring their unconscious. Starting Tuesday, those who purchase a copy equipped with a QR code will be able to access the work in multimedia format, including a video about the experience. Monica Silva, an artist who has been active in art and reportage for years, with this project seems to embody Freud's thought: "Psychotherapy is a profession of secular soul healers, who do not need to be doctors, and who should not be priests."