From portraits of Andy Warhol Jean-Luc Godard and Penélope Cruz to a voodoo ceremony in Benin
from scenes within the Pentagon to indigenous people in the rainforests of Sarawak from
geishas in Tokyo to a lone iceberg in Antarctica-Alberto Venzago has seemingly had half the
world in front of his Leica. This self-taught photographer (not to mention filmmaker) has
traveled the globe more times than he can remember always in search of that next unforgettable
moment. Taking Pictures Making Pictures presents nearly 200 images-many as yet
unpublished-selected from the thousands Venzago has made over the past decades and shows his
astute ability to transform the people he photographs into actors who perform for his lens.
Perhaps the best example of Venzago's rare talent is his images of the Yakuza gang in Tokyo
one of the world's most powerful crime syndicates. The result of five years' persistence on his
part no little charisma and (in Wim Wenders' words) his optimistic sparkling laugh Venzago's
images of this secret world include private New Year's Eve celebrations Yakuza boss Masahiro
Furushio's office and even a gang member's hand missing a fingertip (a common gesture to
request forgiveness or express submission). Regardless of his subjects from the oppressed and
exploited to the rich and beautiful this comprehensive book proves Venzago's claim that My
studio is the world.
