From October 4 to 31, the Agsm Aim customer lounge in Verona (lungadige Galtarossa, 8) will host the “Fotografia al Buio” exhibition, a unique showcase of about twenty photographs taken by visually impaired and blind individuals. These works are the result of a photography course organized by the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted in Verona, led by photographer Sergio Maria Visciano, with support from the Agsm Aim Group.
The seven participants—Silvia Cepeleaga, Giorgio Gagliardi, Angela Gianesella, Mattia Grella, Paolo Lizziero, Maurizio Turra, and Laura Veronesi—selected their own subjects and approaches to capture different aspects of life in Verona, producing striking images that highlight both the city’s people and its landscape.
The exhibition is open to the public for free at the Agsm Aim customer lounge (lungadige Galtarossa, 8) and can be visited Monday through Thursday (7:45 AM to 4 PM), Friday (7:45 AM to 1 PM), and Saturday (8:30 AM to 1 PM).
Exhibition Details
The exhibition route blends Verona’s architectural and historical sites with natural views of the Adige River and the nearby town of Montorio, known for its spring waters. It also features studio portraits of a model, a bronze statue of Cangrande della Scala, and a fruit basket that echoes the style of Caravaggio.
Accessibility has been a priority for both the photography process and the exhibition. Traditional prints are paired with tactile lithophanes, which allow viewers to experience the images through touch. Some objects are also reproduced with 3D printing. Additionally, QR codes provide visitors with audio descriptions of the project.
Making the Invisible Visible
“When we were approached to support this project, we initially wondered how blind and visually impaired individuals could participate in a photography course… Once we understood the significance of the initiative, we were eager to get involved. Thanks to Agsm Aim’s backing, the participants not only learned photography basics but can also ‘see’ their work through the tactile lithophane prints we helped create”
-Federico Testa, president of the Agsm Aim Group
“In the summer of 2023, I delved into how visually impaired and blind individuals perceive the world,” said course leader and exhibition curator Sergio Maria Visciano. “I found that their other senses often compensate in remarkable ways. My challenge became figuring out how to make the invisible visible. Using lessons, podcasts, practical exercises, and tactile models, we guided the participants in developing their own photography projects. The results exceeded expectations, with the participants demonstrating a strong intuitive grasp and technical skills.”
Overcoming the Impossible
“Even though I’ve learned a lot, I feel there’s still much more to discover in photography, and I hope there will be more courses like this,” said Silvia Cepeleaga, vice president of UICI Verona. “This journey has boosted my confidence as a photographer. Now, whenever I see a landscape, I imagine how I’d capture it. Through this exhibition, I hope to show others that ‘impossible’ doesn’t exist.”
