Sunday Edition: Ciro Battiloro and Larry Louie

PHOTOSNACK #207

Every Sunday, I reach out to photographers previously featured on PHOTOSNACK and ask them to send me their spontaneous thoughts, observations, reflections, or advice.

Today, I am sharing with you the messages I got from Ciro Battiloro and Larry Louie.

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Ciro Battiloro

I am very fascinated by the intimacy of people.

Intimacy is extraordinary; it reveals the uniqueness of every human life. Intimacy, seen as closeness or proximity, is a form of silent and discreet resistance. It shelters us from the passing of time, existential crises, and all the disgregating factors that contemporary society imposes on us: homologation, trivialization, social inequalities, and violence. I received the gift of being welcomed into people's homes and lives.

I have known Alfonso for many years; he is lovely and sensitive, although he confessed to me that he had not had an easy life. One day, he told me that happy moments were rare in his life. Alfonso now lives in a tiny house in Rione Sanità, in a 'basso'. The 'Bassi' are typical dwellings in the working-class neighborhoods of Naples; they are houses that face directly onto the street; they are often small and dark and were once used as warehouses for goods. That morning, as often happened, I began my wanderings in the neighborhood by passing to say hello to Alfonso, and while we were there talking, his rooster popped out of the box.

I found that image extraordinary; it reminded me of Bunuel's films and revealed how people's intimacy can always surprise you because it tells you about the uniqueness of each person's life. At that moment, I saw all the contrasts of life in the neighborhood dissolve and mingle in a surreal atmosphere.

Ciro Battiloro was featured in PHOTOSNACK #164.

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Larry Louie

My mantra: To appreciate the beauty of a landscape, we must open our eyes. To appreciate its people, we must open our minds.

Growing up in western Canada, I used to photograph mountains, forests, and prairie landscapes. But while attending The School of Optometry and Vision Science in Waterloo, Ontario, in Eastern Canada, I visited New York City and went to a retrospective exhibition of Josef Koudelka, a black-and-white documentary photographer. There, I found my true love in photography.

The main reason I photograph is to have an excuse to meet new people and to document their lives.

Larry Louie was featured in PHOTOSNACK #173.

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Sunday Editions connect you with photographers whose work you previously explored through PHOTOSNACK.

I want to reveal some authentic parts of the people behind the cameras.

I don’t ask them any specific questions. I ask them to share whatever pops into their mind when thinking about YOU - the readers of this newsletter.

It makes their responses genuine and personal.

I hope you enjoyed today’s Sunday Edition.

Until next time,
Tomasz