Giuseppe Di Bella
Giuseppe Di Bella Photographic practice examines the effects and implications of violence and abuse within contemporary society. In his Abu Ghraib series (2004-2006) the artist revisits the images released by the International Press in May 2004, depicting human rights abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The artist transformed the images into a collection of postage stamps which were then sent around the globe, gaining a stamp of approval in the process. The Abu Ghraib series addresses issues surrounding the consumption, treatment and dissemination of public images within contemporary society, particularly violent and gruesome imagery. As well as being a critical statement about war and photography, the work also questions our ability to process, reflect and ultimately understand the meaning of the image in a world hyper saturated with images that may well alter our perception and understating of the real. The Abu Ghraib series invites us to reflect on the way we look at images and understand them. Sicilian born Giuseppe Di Bella graduated from London College of Printing, University of the Arts London, in 2005, and he continues to live and work in London. He has exhibited nationally and internationally. Recent exhibitions include: Festival Manifesto, France; Backligh 08th Photographic Triennale, Finland; The Last Book, Spain; Conflict and Loss, Peterborough; McGill Library, Haverford College, USA. Forthcoming exhibitions include: Lodz Photo Festival, Poland; The Last Book, Amsterdam, Netherlands; The Last Book, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2009
