A few months ago, one August evening, the author found themselves watching the popular Italian television show Avanti un Altro! on Canale 5. Surrounded by a friend who laughed at the host's jokes, the author experienced a mix of emotions - joy at not finding the program amusing, and a deep sense of sadness for the state of Italian television, forced to chase ratings with simplistic methods. This experience would later be echoed in the author's encounter with Televisiva, a photographic book that challenges the reader's perception of television's impact on Italian society.

Exposing the Televised Facade: A Powerful Photographic Exploration

The Televised Revolution: From Berlusconi to Bunga Bunga

Televisiva, a photographic book created by Stefano De Luigi and curated by Laura Serani, takes the reader on a revealing journey through the evolution of Italian television over the past three decades. The book's powerful images lead the reader to reflect on the outcome of this televised revolution, from the early years of Silvio Berlusconi's media empire to the more recent "Bunga Bunga" era.The accompanying text, written by Pietro Grossi, challenges the reader to confront the impact of television on Italian democracy and political discourse. De Luigi's careful work showcases how television, once an educational medium, has become increasingly superficial over the years, influencing the very fabric of the nation. The author's own reaction to the Avanti un Altro! program, a mix of disgust and exasperation, is echoed in the book's provocative stance.

Pervasive Influence: Rai, Mediaset, and Beyond

Televisiva's photographs are not limited to the Mediaset studios, but also include images from Rai and other stations like Telelombardia. This underscores the pervasive influence of the television revolution spearheaded by Berlusconi, which has left an indelible mark on the entire Italian media landscape.By challenging the reader's preconceptions, De Luigi and the team behind Televisiva aim to expose a deeper wound – a transformation that has forever changed the country. The world of television, in a way, has become a part of the Italian identity, and the fascination and repulsion it evokes are inextricably linked.

Confronting the Televised Reality: A Call to Action

Televisiva prompts the reader to reflect on something that is often overlooked – the potentially destructive impact of the television revolution on Italian society. The book's provocative stance serves as a wake-up call, urging the reader to confront the realities of a media landscape that has become increasingly superficial and influential.Through its powerful imagery and thought-provoking text, Televisiva challenges the reader to re-evaluate their relationship with television and its role in shaping the political and social discourse of the nation. It is a call to action, a plea to recognize the profound changes that have occurred and to consider the long-term implications of a media landscape that has become a mirror of our own desires and insecurities.