Photographer Paolo Pelosi Bonini has embarked on a meaningful artistic journey, documenting the intimate relationship between individuals and their most cherished books. His project, titled "Ex Libris," explores how literature shapes lives and touches hearts across different communities.
Bonini's passion for books began in childhood, when he would listen to fables being read aloud to him. Those early experiences opened up entire worlds of imagination and emotion. "I have loved books since I listened to the fables that were read to me when I was a child," Bonini explains. "Thanks to them, I dreamed, I traveled, I cried, I rejoiced, I discovered, I imagined, I grew."
The photographer's love for reading naturally evolved into a unique photographic concept. He began capturing portraits of people alongside their favorite books - those volumes that have left lasting marks on their lives. These are the books they would read again and again, the stories they would tell others about, the titles they would enthusiastically recommend, and the narratives they would want to live within.
In an interesting artistic choice, Bonini deliberately keeps book titles unclear or hidden in his photographs. This decision serves a specific purpose beyond mere aesthetics. The photographer sees his work as an invitation for viewers to seek out their own perfect book - one that will challenge their thinking, inspire action, and potentially transform their lives.
The "Ex Libris" project ultimately celebrates the transformative power of literature. According to Bonini, the right book has the ability to make people reflect deeply, motivate them to take action, facilitate personal change, and guide them toward new directions in life. For some, these books might encourage a complete change of course, while for others, they might provide confirmation that they're already on the right path.
Through his lens, Bonini captures not just people and books, but the invisible bonds between readers and the stories that have shaped who they are. His work serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire, transform, and guide human experience across all walks of life.
