Istrian stories with pictures and a photo exhibition
Elio Velan and Gianni Velan
Book promotion and exhibition opening Elio and Gianni Velan - Storiele istriane con ritrato - Istrian stories with pictures
''This booklet is a gift to my son Gianni and me'', wrote Elio Velan in the introduction to his recently published book Storiele istriane con ritrato - Istrian stories with pictures, published by the Cultural and Artistic Association "Giusto Curto", with graphic design by Mario Benčić. It is a unique artistic project created through Velan's journalistic travels around Istria with his son Gianni, a talented photographer with Asperger's syndrome. Although he initially believed that working together could have a therapeutic effect for his son, Velan soon realized that Gianni's photographs were an exceptional source of inspiration for him as well. The book brings authentic records of Istria, told in short but meaningful texts by an experienced journalist, and photographic images that capture the details of the Istrian landscape with incredible precision - wild and tame at the same time. Velan's ability to convey rich and layered contexts in a few words makes this book a special literary and visual experience. The bilingual edition, written in the Istrian dialect with a Chakavian translation by Aldo and Edi Maružin, further enriches this unique book. Its format resembles a picture book, but its content goes beyond the classical literary framework, exploring Istrian history, sociological injustices and cultural paradoxes.
The promotion of the book "Istrian Stories with Pictures - Storiele istriane con ritrato" will be held on February 20 at 6:00 PM at the Rovinj Center for Visual Arts "Batana". The photography exhibition will run until March 9.
Gallery opening hours: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM on weekdays.
Saturdays: 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
