Imagine peering into the very soul of humanity through a lens—capturing not just faces, but the hidden emotions that make us who we are. That's the mesmerizing promise of Lia Pasqualino's exhibition, "Voir le coeur des humains" (See the Human Heart), now on display at the Italian Cultural Institute in Paris. But here's where it gets controversial: in a world obsessed with outward appearances, is photography's true power in revealing our inner worlds, or is it just an illusion that blurs the line between reality and artistic interpretation?
Running from now until January 30, 2026, this exhibition showcases the work of Lia Pasqualino, a thoughtful photographer and protégé of the renowned Letizia Battaglia. In her own words, Pasqualino reflects on how her photography unexpectedly transports her back to the emotional landscapes of her childhood. She explains, 'I have realized that, without intending to, when I photograph, I confront the emotional terrain I knew as a child.' This personal connection makes her images deeply evocative, inviting viewers to explore their own inner reflections.
Pasqualino's approach is all about patience and intuition. She seeks out those fleeting moments where elements align to reveal a glimpse of someone's inner life. For instance, take the goose she photographed in Palermo's Piazza Magione all those years ago—it wasn't just a bird, but a symbol emerging from her buried memories of the city. And this isn't limited to animals or landscapes; even in portraits, she waits for the subject's inward gaze to surface. Think of her encounters with icons like Jeanne Moreau or filmmakers such as Emir Kusturica, or actors like Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi and Anna Mouglalis. But she doesn't stop at the famous—she's captured the essence of everyday people in the street or even those in psychiatric hospitals, proving that humanity's heart beats in unexpected places.
Drawing from a 'storehouse of images' within herself, Pasqualino waits for that silent, internal conversation to manifest in her subjects. And this is the part most people miss: it's not about flashy shots or posed smiles; it's her standard for measuring what's truly human—the inward-turned gaze that speaks volumes without words. 'I think I have always done that: sought in others that particular tone of gaze turned more inward than outward. And I have made it my unit of measure of what is human,' she shares.
The exhibition is free and open to all, located at the Institut Culturel Italien in the elegant Hôtel de Galliffet at 50 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris. Don't miss this opportunity to dive into photography that feels like a quiet revelation.
For those who want to delve deeper, there's a catalogue available with insightful texts from Antonio Calbi, Giovanna Calvenzi, Gabriel Bauret, Roberto Andò, Ferdinando Scianna, and Tommaso Montanari, published by Dario Cimorelli editore in 2025. More details on the Italian Cultural Institute's website at www.iicparigi.esteri.it.
What do you think? Does photography like this truly capture the human heart, or is it a subjective illusion? Do you agree that our inner gaze is the real measure of humanity, or do you see it differently? Share your thoughts in the comments—I'm curious to hear your take!
