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GIANFRANCO GORGONI Obituary

GORGONI--Gianfranco. It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gianfranco Gorgoni (Bomba 1941 - New York 2019), a renowned Italian photographer who was best known as a documentarian of art and artists. Traveling to the United States by boat in 1968, the adventurous photographer settled in New York City and gained access to the art world thanks to Leo Castelli. Throughout the early 1970s, this dedicated and fearless risk-taker often went to extreme measures to capture great and skillful pictures of most of the artists working during that period. However, Gorgoni captured more than just artists and artworks, he documented the essence of an era. He was known for his portraits of artists associated with different art movements such as Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Land Art and Arte Povera. Magazzino Italian Art is very fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate with him, as evidenced by the intimate portraits which capture the spirit of 12 Arte Povera artists, on view at our museum. Gianfranco Gorgoni's artistry spans decades and his legacy will live on as one of impeccable talent and creativity. He was a man who loved life and whose insatiable curiosity was apparent through his extensive travels around the world capturing striking moments in history. The Family and Magazzino Italian Art Foundation

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Published by New York Times on Sep. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for GIANFRANCO GORGONI

Sponsored by Magazzino Italian Art.

10 Entries

Roberto P Mitrotti

September 16, 2021

I met Gianfranco in New York when he was fresh off the boat around 1968. We quickly became friends. He told me the last job he had in Milan was as a toy salesman. But he had just bought a camera and had come to New York where he would try to be a photographer. I always loved his ability to dream big and then turn them into reality.
He wanted to photograph Andy Warhol and the Factory which at the time was a hotbed of creative activity. The question was: how to approach Warhol who was already such a big star?
Gianfranco called the Factory and told them he had an assignment from Panorama, a large circulation Italian weekly. Andy, who loved attention and media immediately said yes. He was so charmed by Gianfranco's talent that he gave him full access to the Factory. And of course Panorama was so please with Gianfranco's insight in the Warhol's world it published the work and made Gianfranco its US photo correspondent.
And so thanks to a dream, bravado and New York hutzpah a great career was born.
Bravo Gianfranco.

Radiah Frye

September 24, 2019

Giafranco Gorgoni, You were Loved and Respected by many.. Your Art & Work on Earth is done but you left us with the Beauty of your Rich Creativity & imagination.. Thank You !! Your candle burned out much too soon.. We your Family will miss you, but will Keep you close in our hearts and memories !!! Forward & Farewell ....

September 23, 2019

Gianfranco,
sei stato una stella superbrillante nel mondo dell'arte. Ci mancherai.
Roberto Mitrotti

August 2006

Sandro Curcio Valentini

September 22, 2019

... The autumn equinox has always led the way in the dark
... Your photo shoots have always led the way in the light

Thanks Gianfranco, thank you dear friend

Gianfranco Gorgoni New York 2015

Joe Oppedisano

September 21, 2019

Ciao Gianfranco we shared some nice memories in New York and Italy it was always a pleasure to spend some time together.

Alberto Baccari

September 21, 2019

Ciao amico mio.

Radiah Frye

September 21, 2019

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Robert Frye

September 21, 2019

To the family I send my deepest sympathy and condolences. My prayers are with you. Gianfranco will be missed and all of his good cooking when we as a family get together. He would always love to share his famous pasta sauces that he was very good at making whenever we get together. He was my brother in law and I share the loss with my niece Maya and baby Bea.

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