Monia Merlo: Hands

The Italian Cultural Institute in Sydney has renewed its collaboration with the Head On Photo Festival to showcase photographer Monia Merlo’s exhibition, ‘Hands’. ‘Hands’ will be exhibited at the Stanthorpe International Club in Queensland until June 10, as part of the town’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The exhibition will then be displayed in Brisbane from June 24 to July 2, at Casa Italian in New Farm. What fascinates Monia about hands is that through their movement they reveal, beyond the face’s expressions. For the photographer these photos are the truest form of an intimate portrait. They show fragility, elegance, beauty but especially women portrayed in their detachment from the world. They are gathered in themselves, unreachable and do not seek any dialogue with the viewer.