Duane Michals. The Photographer of the Invisible

Experimental, poetic, introspective: Duane Michals (McKeesport, 1932) has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential artists in contemporary photography, thanks to a distinctive approach that goes far beyond simply capturing reality. His deeply spiritual work focuses on attempting to capture what is invisible: the emotional and philosophical essence of who we are. To achieve this, Michals explores fundamental aspects of human experience, such as identity, time, and the intangible.

His work rarely consists of a single image; instead, it unfolds through sequences that tell complete stories, inviting viewers to interpret them and immerse themselves in visually rich, evocative spaces. A distinctive feature of his visual language is the use of text within certain photographic compositions. Far from being mere accompaniment, Michals’ words integrate with the images in a poetic and reflective way, adding additional layers of meaning.

Featuring around 150 works, many organized in sequences, the exhibition traces Michals’ entire artistic trajectory—from his early images to some of his most recent works, created in 2025. The selection showcases a wide variety of pieces, often grouped in his famous photographic series and accompanied by the artist’s handwritten texts, a signature element of his style. The exhibition includes well-known portraits of artists such as Joseph Cornell, Andy Warhol, and Marcel Duchamp—key figures who left a profound mark on his career—alongside self-portraits by Michals himself.

The exhibition not only allows visitors to explore the evolution of Duane Michals’ visual language, but also to understand the impact of his narrative approach on contemporary photography. His ability to give form to the intangible, the emotional, and the surreal cements him as a true visual storyteller, whose work continues to challenge the boundaries of traditional photography today.

Exhibition curated by Enrica Viganò – ADMIRA, Milano.