Another press release from Leica:
Alex Majoli presents the everyday life of a gondolier in Venice through images of unmatched brilliance
Solms, Germany (June 23, 2011) – Leica Camera AG announces the debut of a multimedia essay shot by Magnum Photographer Alex Majoli. The inspirational project stems from Leica’s recent partnership with Magnum Photos and features Majoli’s account of a young gondolier in Venice. The multimedia essay is presented in conjunction with the launch of the M9-P that took place in Paris on June 21. Vital, authentic and brimming with the essence of real life – it is a narrative captured with the Leica M9-P, a new version of the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system camera that specifically meets the needs of professional photographers.
A full member of the prominent photographers’ cooperative since 2001, Majoli’s piece reaches beyond simply documenting a profession steeped in tradition. The images tell a vivid story of how a gondolier continues to embody the heart and soul of his city. The protagonist of the portfolio is Alvise Catullo Ragazzo, one of around 700 gondoliers in the city of Venice. Majoli has captured moments of Ragazzo’s everyday life amidst tradition and tourism. The day begins with donning a straw hat and the traditional blue-and-white-striped garb of his trade, the journey to work leads Ragazzo past the sights of the city and, of course, his skillful daily routine consists of rowing a Venetian gondola. Majoli’s portfolio also reveals the very private scenes far removed from the bustle of the city. They present an intimate view of family life; the people behind the gondoliers. Majoli has successfully recorded a sensitive portrait of a young man and his city that invites the audience to take a look at life beyond the characteristic tourism of Venice.
A video showcasing the making of the portfolio can be viewed on the Leica website. An in-depth interview with Alex Majoli can be found here.