Last Updated on 02/28/2025 by Lara Carretero
One could argue that the beginning of “color” photography began with hand-colored images during the Victorian era. While the subtle pastel tones may seem unnatural to us today, they played a significant role in the development of photography. Over time, thanks to the efforts of Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell, the first three-color processes were invented, leading to humanity’s first color photograph of a tartan ribbon in 1861. Since then, color photography has evolved significantly, with influential figures such as Erwin Blumenfeld, Saul Leiter, and Martin Parr demonstrating that color is essential to the medium and human expression. Keeping this in mind, the French Academy in Rome – Villa Medici, is hosting a new exhibition that honors this important invention.
The lead image is by Juno Calypso, courtesy of Villa Medici. All images are used with permission.
Titled Chromotherapia: The Feel-Good Color Photography, the exhibition examines the history and impact of color photography throughout the 20th century. 5. The mid-19th century saw varied scientific experiments in the field of color photography, with 1907 marking the introduction of the first industrial color photography with autochrome by the Lumière brothers. Curated by Maurizio Cattelan and Sam Stourdzé, the showcase will display the works of 20 influential photographers whose approach to color photography changed the medium forever.
In this exhibit, visitors will learn how color goes beyond being a mere visual element; it is also used for emotional engagement, creativity, and even therapy. Chromotherapia, thus, examines the varied ways color has been utilized in photography to challenge perceptions, define beauty, and comment on societal issues.
The mid-19th century saw varied scientific experiments in the field of color photography, with 1907 marking the introduction of the first industrial color photography with autochrome by the Lumière brothers.
The showcase has been divided into seven sections:
- Early Birds: Visitors will see the works of Erwin Blumenfeld, Harold Edgerton, Yevonde Middleton, and Toiletpaper magazine. This chapter examines the early experiments in color photography and the creatives that emerged from them, which affected our future.
- Raining Cats and Dogs: Here, the displayed works include images of artists such as Walter Chandoha, William Wegman, and Toiletpaper. This section applauds the playful and surreal use of color in animal photography. It’s a second that pet lovers will certainly enjoy.
- Glossy: The works of fashion and portrait photographers Guy Bourdin and Hiro will dazzle you. Furthermore, you can learn how bold colors can challenge norms and form a narrative.
- Femme Fatale: Photographers Raquel Adrienne, Miles Aldridge, Juno Calypso, and Alex Prager have often used colors to showcase femininity, either by building or deconstructing its meaning. This section will showcase that and more.
- Stranger Things: This chapter looks at the works of Arnold Odermatt and Sandy Skoglund, whose surreal color photography explores the emotional and psychological impact of the visual element.
- Foodorama: Works by Martin Parr and Toiletpaper will critique consumer culture, particularly modern food culture’s overindulgence.
- Make a Face: Hassan Hajjaj, Ouka Leele, Pierre et Gilles, Ruth Ossai, and Toiletpaper are a part of this section, where the use of color in portraiture depicts its significance in showing the hues of identity and cultural representation.
In addition to the exceptional showcase, there is an accompanying photo book, which has been edited by Cattelan and Stourdzé. The 224-page photo book includes high-quality prints of the photographers featured in the exhibition. The book will add another layer to the overall narrative of the exploration of colors. Overall, Chromotherapia is an excellent way to understand and further learn about color photography in a digital world. The next time you photograph, the colors will only help intensify the narrative.
Chromotherapia is displayed from February 28th until June 9, 2025. The photo book will be available in March in the U.K. and in May in the U.S. For more information, visit the Villa Medici’s website.