The new photographic and anthropological project by Arturo Delle Donne, in collaboration with large intercultural associations, as to show the uniqueness of the peoples of the Earth. Inauguration: Saturday October 16th 2021
The great photographic and anthropological project entitled "The Homo Sapiens" by Arturo Delle Donne, will be presented to the public on Saturday Oct. 16th 2021 at the Museum of Chinese Art and Ethnography in Parma.
Twenty large photographs will be exhibited throughout the museum's exhibition itinerary. A work that started long ago. From the chance of collaborating on the exhibit "Tribes - the last breath on earth", Delle Donne began to portray citizens of the most diverse geographical origins in the halls of the Chinese Art Museum, photographing them with their own traditional clothes.
The project “The Homo sapiens” was therefore conceived as a journey, a voyage of discovery and exploration. It arises from an idea of cultural diversity, which is often forgotten. By valuing cultural heritage, our civilization, in its historical and monumental aspects, often forgets the great impalpable heritage given by cultural diversity. With the incoming migratory flow, which since the 1970s has exceeded the outgoing one, new traditions, religions, customs and languages have begun to be part of our cultural system. Moreover, new ethnic goods have entered. Like clothing, which is universally considered to be the first form of communication for any people. The first language is set in motion when two people meet through physiognomy and clothing, understood in a visually broad sense: accessories, hairstyle, permanent signs.
“The Homo sapiens” explores and documents cultural diversities through traditional clothes that are both a symbol of belonging and culture, and a symbol of a deep bond with the homeland. It’s a secure standing ground, in a whirlwind of material and immaterial contrasts evidently found in every urban setting. It is thus a research around a "fashion" that tells stories, legends, rituals and cultures handed down. The story is an exploration of memories and bonds that each of the subjects told in their own words, on a journey in search of a new world.
In this new project, cultural and ethnic identity shifts to the individual who wears the dress of his or her origin. The dress is worn as a souvenir, a link to one's homeland. The dress becomes belonging, awareness and pride. Wearing it represents a rich bonds and one's roots. We discover, through this projects, a long history of people, customs and traditions, present in this land. Costumes that mix or hide, but which remain dear and precious to their owners, in their memories or their intimate events.
Chiara Allegri, vice-director of the Chinese Museum, says: "The entire 'The homo sapiens' project is in continuous progress. For this reason, the one at the Museum of Chinese Art and Ethnography is a preview. The work currently includes eighty large photographic works, of which twenty will be exhibited at our museum starting from October 16th until March 8th, 2022. The entire project is ready to be housed in places who show this same interest, and who share the values of respect and brotherhood among peoples, which the Museum of Chinese Art and Ethnography believes in.”
Arturo Delle Donne adds: “My work as a photographer continues. I am continuing to make portraits for this ambitious and never-ending project. My role as a photographer is unbreakable from my constant research, which I still do. I would like to share this projects, and willing to host it in other places.” Father Alfredo Turco, Xaverian missionary and director of the Museum expresses his enthusiasm for this collaboration: “The creation of this project reinforces the concept of brotherhood and humanity that our missionary museum has been carrying out since 1901.”
“The Homo Sapiens” was created with the contribution of the Cariparma Foundation and sponsored by the Municipality of Parma.
On the occasion of "I like Parma" event, guided tours of the exhibit are planned at the cost of the entrance ticket only, on Saturday Oct. 16th at 10am, 11.30am, 4pm and 5.30pm and on Sunday Oct. 17th at 4pm and 5,30pm. Reservations are required for guided tours only by writing to
There are numerous international associations involved in this project, such as the Intercultural Center of Parma, Colori d'Africa APS, Vagamonde, Kwa Dunia, Rotary Club Parma Farnese, CSV Emilia, Russian School Parus, Jeunes Patriotes pour la paix, Communauté de la diaspora ivoirienne de Parme et province, Scanderberg, Al-Amal Association, Association de femmes ivoiriennes dynamique de Parme et province and many others.
Opening hours at the Museum of Chinese Art and Ethnography:
From Tuesday to Saturday: from 9 to 13 and from 15 to 19
Sunday: from 11 to 13 and from 15 to 19
Ticket: € 3 (standard), € 1,50 (under 18)
For guided tours and workshops, please write to:
Arturo Delle Donne, born in Naples, graduated in biology with a PhD in ecology, is an artist, professional photographer, director of photography. He began his professional activity with reportage by publishing various services in specialized magazines such as Gente Viaggi, Mondo Sommerso and Aqva; some of his photos were published by Whitestar / National Geographic. He then specializes in fashion photography.
He is a lecturer in photography at the University of Parma and a consultant for scientific dissemination and documentary for Pause and the Loris Malaguzzi Foundation of Reggio Emilia. In June 2008 he won the first prize for creative quality in professional photography in the food category, whose prestigious jury defined him: "an author of extraordinary versatility".
Since 2005, in collaboration with the Solares Fondazione delle Arti di Parma, he has started the photographic project "Closer Portraits": more than 80 portraits of personalities from the world of entertainment and culture including Wim Wenders, Mario Monicelli, Ernest Borgnine, Bernardo Bertolucci, Daniel Pennac, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Hanna Schygulla, Edoardo Galeano, Gerard Depardieu, Emir Kusturica, James Ivory, Peter Greenaway and many others. He edited the iconographic part of the volume “Gusto Italiano” for ALMA - International School of Italian Cuisine, Plan editions, released in March 2012. In 2016 he collaborated for the filming of the documentary “Pope Francis - A Man of His Word”, directed by Wim Wenders.
Thanks to this collaboration, in October 2017 he filmed the rescue operations of migrants aboard the CP941 Diciotti ship of the Italian Coast Guard. He has signed dozens of ADV and fashion campaigns. In July 2019 he won the prestigious TAOAWARD for fashion photography with the following motivation: "for his ability to personally elaborate the numerous commissions in the professional field and especially in the fashion world". He has exhibited in various museums and institutional venues including the Museum of the Sea in Genoa, the Museum of Modern Art in Velikij Novgorod, Russia, Palazzo Pigorini in Parma, Palazzo Tupputi in Bisceglie, at the Museum of Chinese Art and Ethnography in Parma.
