Today, at the age of 82, the renowned Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani passed away. His family announced the news in a brief statement, requesting the privacy to mourn.
The renowned creative had been hospitalized since January 10 in an intensive care unit in Tuscany where he lived. His passing was caused by amyloidosis, the illness he had been battling for some time. His wife, Kirsti, a former Norwegian model, had recently described his condition as critical.
The Benetton Group, with which Toscani collaborated extensively, also paid tribute to him on social media with a post accompanied by the words: “Words are not enough.” The company chose to commemorate the visionary with one of his iconic photographs taken in 1989.
The artist, an innovative figure in the world of photography and advertising, was the son of a photojournalist and studied at the University of the Arts in Zurich. He was best known for his impactful campaigns for brands like Esprit, Chanel, and Prenatal, but most notably for the textile company Benetton. From 1982 to 2000, he crafted a provocative and inclusive visual identity for the brand, addressing themes such as AIDS, the death penalty, and social integration.
Toscani’s work was exhibited in world-renowned museums, including the Venice Biennale and the Triennale di Milano. Over his career, he received numerous accolades, including the Golden Lion at the Cannes Film Festival and honorary degrees both in Italy and abroad.
In a candid interview published on August 28 in “Corriere della Sera”, Toscani revealed for the first time that he was suffering from an incurable illness, which had profoundly affected his body, causing a weight loss of 80 pounds in a year. Amyloidosis is a rare condition caused by the buildup of proteins in vital organs, potentially leading to irreversible damage.
Despite his condition, the photographer spoke openly about his illness, facing it with the combative spirit that had always defined him.
