Photo Exhibit Vernissage "Io amo l'Italia"

Consul General Scott during Leonard Freed's exhibit

CG delivering his remarks at the vernissage

Milan, October 19th, 2011

Consul General Kyle Scott,  participated to the vernissage for "Io amo l'Italia".

The exhibition features one hundred photographs, including modern and vintage prints by Leonard Freed (New York, 1929 - 2006) - dedicated to Italy and Italians, shot during the mid-twentieth century to the beginning of the twenty-first century.

Read Mr. Scott's remarks:

"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. On behalf of the US Mission to Italy  I welcome you and thank the organizers for inviting me tonight to officially open the photo exhibit: “Leonard Freed. I love Italy.”  

I am grateful to Camillo Fornasieri for hosting the exhibit at the Fondazione Stelline and my compliments go to the curator,  Enrica Viganò.

My warm welcome goes to Mrs. Brigitte Freed: Mrs. Freed, thank you very much for being with us here today.

Leonard Freed, a great American photographer, loved Italy very fondly, visited it many times, an photographed it many times with affection, curiosity and respect.

Today, these photographs show this country throughout the years, and present a simple and spontaneous beauty.

Everyday facts, images of simple life, places and people we do not notice or whom we take for granted, have become not only an historical evidence but also a noble form of art.

Freed framed these events so that we could appreciate the beauty, the dignity and the importance of these people and these places.

In my capacity of US diplomat assigned to Milan, I try every day to understand what makes your country so beautiful and unique and to absorb the beauty around me.  

Of course I do not have Freed’s artistic talent. However, after seeing his work, I will stop to observe even more deeply what I see, with the same attention to details that he had.

After all, since the role of a diplomat is to strengthen ties between two countries, I consider Freed my predecessor and my master.  

This exhibit, a great tribute to Italy, seen with the eyes of an American, is a testimony of the great friendship between our two countries.   

Once again, thsank to this museum for hosting the exhibit, and to all the people who made this happen.  

Thank you and have a great evening. "