It forms part of the 2019 Belfast Photo Festival and its theme of “Truth and Lies” taking place across Belfast from June 6-30.
Known widely for his shock tactics and the provocative “United Colours of Benetton” publicity campaign, Toscani tapped into wider world issues and cause marketing for the brand’s advertising campaigns in the 1980s and 90s.
Belfast Photo Festival Director Michael Weir said: “No stranger to controversy, Toscani was widely criticised for his photographic style and artistic direction that captured largely unseen truths. Many of his works mirrored issues of the times. He held a mirror up to society in a manner which wasn’t always well received.”
Many of the brand’s campaigns under Toscani’s direction were aimed at tackling then taboo subjects and issues concerning racism, sexuality, religion, capital punishment and more – all without featuring any of the brand’s clothing.
One of those instantly recognisable images Toscani adopted for the brand’s advertising campaigns is Therese Frare’s The Face of Aids.
Others include a shot of newborn baby girl, Giusy, still attached to her umbilical cord – one of the brand’s most criticised and censored images – and an anti-racism advert bore three raw hearts carrying the words “white”, “black” and “yellow” on each of them.
The talk is due to take place on Thursday, June 13 at 18:00 in the Ulster Museum Lecture Theatre. Tickets cost £15 and a number of concessions are available.
For more information on this year’s festival or to purchase tickets for the event, visit belfastphotofestival.com and keep up-to-date on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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