Moltrasio, Faces and Places Close to the Heart: Identity and Memory on Lake Como
From September 20 to November 30, 2025, the streets of Moltrasio hosted Moltrasio volti e luoghi del cuore (Faces and Places Close to the Heart), a photography exhibition by Carlo Pozzoni.
The exhibition opened on Saturday, September 20, at 6:00 PM in Piazza San Rocco.
Part of the cultural programme “Identità” (Identity), the project connected photography with everyday village life. As a result, Moltrasio’s streets became an open-air museum, celebrating its people and local heritage.
The Inspiration Behind Carlo Pozzoni’s Photography Exhibition
When the Mayor of Moltrasio invited Carlo Pozzoni to photograph the village, the photographer immediately thought of Paul Strand and the book Un paese, created with Cesare Zavattini.
Photographer Gianni Berengo Gardin also drew inspiration from this approach, making it an important reference in Italian photography.
Following these examples, Pozzoni set out to tell Moltrasio’s story in his own way. In particular, he focused on the local community and the people who give the village its identity.
Rather than comparing Moltrasio with other places, his goal was to capture its unique character through photography.
Local People and Their Favourite Places in Moltrasio
At the heart of the project were Moltrasio’s residents of all ages.
With the support of Alessandro Della Torre, a local expert in the village’s history, each participant selected a meaningful location for their portrait.
These places held personal memories and emotional connections. Consequently, every photograph became more than a simple portrait.
Together, the images created a mosaic of individual stories connected to the surrounding landscape. Moreover, they highlighted the strong relationship between the community and its territory.
Carlo Pozzoni’s Photographic Style
Moltrasio volti e luoghi del cuore reflected Carlo Pozzoni’s experience as a photojournalist.
Throughout the project, he approached his subjects with discretion and sensitivity. At the same time, he maintained a respectful distance, allowing people and places to express their natural character.
This approach resulted in authentic images that documented everyday life without interfering with it.
In this way, Pozzoni captured the identity of Moltrasio through honest and meaningful portraits.
An Open-Air Photography Exhibition in Moltrasio
The photographs were displayed throughout the village, creating a unique cultural route.
As visitors walked through Moltrasio’s narrow streets and picturesque squares, they discovered portraits of residents in places that held special meaning for them.
Each image offered a different perspective on the village. Furthermore, the exhibition encouraged visitors to explore Moltrasio beyond its familiar lakeside views.
The result was an experience that combined photography, local history and a sense of belonging.
A Photography Project That Will Last Beyond the Exhibition
The project was designed to continue beyond the outdoor exhibition.
A dedicated catalogue was also being prepared to preserve the photographs and stories collected by Carlo Pozzoni.
Through this publication, the memories, faces and landscapes of Moltrasio could remain accessible to future generations.
For more information about the photographer and his work, visit the Carlo Pozzoni.
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