Exploring Reality Through the Lens: The Visionary Work of Sandra Cattaneo Adorno
Sandra Cattaneo Adorno, born in 1953 in Rio de Janeiro, embarked on her photographic journey in 2013, at the age of 60. Despite starting later in life, she has rapidly garnered extensive recognition for her profound and inventive approach to photography. At the core of her practice lies street photography, which she employs as a means to question reality and representation.
Guided by an insatiable curiosity, Cattaneo Adorno infuses her work with a blend of insight and playfulness, using images to reflect on both societal issues and personal memories. Her experimental approach to photography extends beyond the act of capturing moments; it permeates every aspect of her artistic expression, from the innovative techniques she employs to exhibit her work to her exploration of the dynamic interplay between still images, projections, visuals, and sound.
Collaborating closely with Radius Books, Cattaneo Adorno has produced a series of monographs that push the boundaries of poetic storytelling through photography. These include "The Other Half of the Sky" (2019), "Águas de Ouro" (2020), "Scarti di Tempo" (2022), and "Ten Years" (2024), a commemoration of a decade of her photographic journey.
Cattaneo Adorno's contributions to the art of photography have not gone unnoticed. Her work has been honored with numerous awards, including the 39th American Photography Award (2003), the International Photography Award (2022), and the Lens Culture Street Photography Awards (juror’s pick, 2021), among others. Her photographs have been exhibited extensively on the international stage, gracing the walls of prestigious venues such as the Galleria del Cembalo in Rome, Fotofestival Solar in Fortaleza, and the Sony Awards Exhibition in London.
Her photography has also been featured in various publications, including Internazionale, O Globo, and The Guardian, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in contemporary photography. Cattaneo Adorno's work has been included in notable compilations such as "Women Street Photographers" (Prestel, 2021) and "Portrait of Humanity" (Hoxton Mini Press, 2019), further amplifying her impact on the global photographic community.
In April of 2024, Cattaneo Adorno unveiled her solo exhibition, "Ten Years," during the 60th Venice Biennale, hosted by the European Cultural Centre (ECC). Prior to this, she held a personal exhibition at the Brazilian Consulate in New York City in December 2022 and a solo show at Palazzo Mora, organized by ECC, from April to November 2022.
Through her visionary work, Sandra Cattaneo Adorno continues to push the boundaries of photographic art, challenging perceptions and inviting viewers to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.
