Photographer Captures Paralympic Athlete’s Strength and Ambiguity in Award-Winning Portrait
A striking portrait of Italian powerlifter Donato Telesca, commissioned by the Italian Paralympic Committee, is currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of the Taylor Wessing Portrait Photo prize exhibition, running until February 8th. The image, captured by photographer Mattia Zoppellaro, transcends a simple athletic portrait, offering a nuanced exploration of perspective, trust, and the power of spontaneous observation.
A Commission Rooted in Preparation for Paris 2024
The project stemmed from a request by the Italian Paralympic Committee to photograph leading athletes in anticipation of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Zoppellaro, known for his efficient workflow, photographed approximately 30 athletes over three days. Despite a preference for film photography, he skillfully integrated digital techniques, maintaining a meticulous approach to each shot.
Embracing the Studio – A Shift in Approach
While typically an outdoor photographer, favoring location shoots and natural settings, Zoppellaro found the studio environment logistically advantageous for this series. This deliberate choice, however, didn’t lead to a sanitized aesthetic. Instead, he intentionally incorporated elements of the studio itself – a ladder wheel and a piece of Scotch tape shaped like an arrow – into the final image, creating a sense of authenticity and challenging conventional portraiture. Initially, the Olympic Committee expressed reservations about this approach, but ultimately granted Zoppellaro complete creative freedom, a decision they later affirmed.
Beyond the Image: A Photographer’s Method
Zoppellaro’s photographic philosophy centers on learning through observation. He views the camera as a tool for self-discovery, prioritizing his own understanding of the subject over a predetermined narrative for the viewer. This approach was evident in his previous work, including documenting the rave scene in the 1990s and revisiting his hometown of Rovigo.
For the Paralympic athlete portraits, Zoppellaro prioritized connection before composition. He dedicated approximately 30 minutes to conversation with each athlete, focusing on personal details – their daily routines, marital status, favorite television shows, and even their football allegiances. “Portraying someone is a sort of collaboration,” he explained, yet he refrained from discussing photographic direction, allowing his subjects to trust his artistic vision.
The Spontaneous Moment: Capturing Donato Telesca
The portrait of Donato Telesca exemplifies Zoppellaro’s instinctive approach. After capturing more conventional images, the photographer observed Telesca leaning back and resting during a break. Noticing a ladder nearby, Zoppellaro seized the moment. “Donato, please don’t move!” he instructed, quickly positioning the ladder and photographing Telesca from above.
This unconventional angle initially created ambiguity, with some viewers failing to immediately recognize Telesca’s lack of legs, perceiving him as simply sitting in an unusual position. The elevated perspective further contributes to a sense of defying gravity. However, the most significant outcome was Telesca’s enthusiastic response to the final image.
A “Thief” Not a Painter: The Reportage Aesthetic
Zoppellaro describes his photographic style as more akin to a “thief” than a painter, emphasizing spontaneity and instinct. He opted for continuous light over flash, maintaining a reportage photography aesthetic. He intentionally avoids preconceived ideas when beginning a project, preferring to improvise and respond to the unfolding situation.
He acknowledges a reluctance to over-explain his work, believing it diminishes the image’s impact, comparing it to dissecting a song or a poem. He welcomes diverse interpretations, recognizing the subjective nature of art.
Mattia Zoppellaro: A Profile
Born in Rovigo, Italy, in 1980, Mattia Zoppellaro has established himself as a respected photographer with a diverse portfolio. He cites photographing prominent figures like Lou Reed, Bono, and Patti Smith as highlights, but currently focuses on a project exploring the Arabic world in northern Italy. His advice to aspiring photographers is succinct: “Travel light, sell the tripod – and don’t show the images to your subject before making your selection.”
