"Cristina Mittermeier. A Greater Wisdom " at the Galleria di Arte Moderna in Palermo

As part of the travelling exhibitions project, the photographic exhibition Cristina Mittermeier. A Greater Wisdom comes to the exhibition spaces of the GAM – Galleria d'Arte Moderna in Palermo. The exhibition, curated by Lauren Johnston in collaboration with National Geographic, to a design by Gallerie d'Italia - Turin, organised by Civita Sicilia and Civita Mostre e Musei, is open to visitors from 7 March.

The exhibition is the first retrospective in Europe dedicated to the photographer and it offers an overview of the important research work of Cristina Mittermeier, photographer, marine biologist and activist, who has documented the beauty of our planet over the years, from landscapes to the constantly evolving wildlife, to the different cultures and traditions of the populations that live in symbiosis with nature.

The exhibition is organised according to three main themes: the underwater world, the terrestrial world and tribal peoples. The exhibition develops the artist's concept of enoughness, a philosophy to understand our place within the global ecosystem, inviting us to reflect on how much and what is “enough” for us and to consider a more sustainable and mindful existence.

Cristina Mittermeier's work bears witness to the strong bond that some communities maintain with nature, emphasising their deep understanding of the delicate balance that regulates the entire planet. Her photographs tell the story of traditions, rituals and knowledge handed down from generation to generation, inviting us to reflect on the “great wisdom” upon which the world is based. She has travelled to every corner of the globe, documenting the beauty of the Earth and the different cultures of its inhabitants. Her works tell stories of communities that maintain a deep connection with nature, offering a reflection on the “great wisdom” of ancestral traditions.

The exhibition invites visitors to explore the concept of enoughness, a philosophy that encourages deeper reflection and understanding of how our daily actions affect the planet and the climate. Mittermeier uses her photographs to remind us of the importance of using our planet's limited resources wisely and recognising the intrinsic value of what we already have. The thrifty use of these resources is fundamental for the future of humanity. The health of the oceans, in particular, has a direct impact on our climate, the air we breathe and the food we eat. Mittermeier's work aims to remind us that humanity is not an isolated entity, but that every community on Earth is part of the global ecosystem and that the choices we make today can collectively shape the future of the planet.

Cristina Mittermeier is also co-founder and chairwoman of the SeaLegacy association, founded in 2014 by internationally renowned photographers, film-makers and writers who have been working for almost two decades to raise awareness on the need to defend our oceans, the preservation of which is crucial to the survival of life on Earth.

The Palermo GAM is proud to host this exhibition, which aims to increase public awareness of the fragility of our ecosystem and the importance of environmental sustainability.