JCU's best photographers exhibit their skills

By Ruthie Kasnett

ROME, May 8 - Tonight at 9 p.m., John Cabot University is hosting an exhibition of both the beginning and advanced photography classes’ work in the Aula Magna hall, highlighting the students' experiences of Rome, as seen through a camera lens.

Professor Alessandro Zanazzo has high hopes for the future of JCU photography.  “I would like to develop weekend photography workshops, which include an immersion program into the regions of Venice, Umbria, and the South of Tuscany,” he says. Zanazzo, originally from Rome, has been teaching photography at JCU since 2001 and has exhibited his work all over Europe.

The photography classes at JCU allow students to visit Rome's landmarks and hidden corners, learning to value and appreciate the history and aesthetics that they otherwise may not have encountered.

“I have been to the Colosseum many times, but never really saw it. Going back with just my camera and a clear mind, my eyes opened and discovered the hidden beauty that had not been immediately obvious the times before," says Elizabeth Yarock, a 20 year-old study abroad student from Tenafly, New Jersey.   

In addition to bringing the photography program to other cities in Italy, Zanazzo has plans to integrate JCU’s classes with programs in the United States. He would like JCU students to begin exchanging their photos with others across the globe. Another plan is to host conferences in JCU’s Aula Magna to showcase the talents and differences between European and American photography, discussing the exchange of development and ideas.

“Whatever you choose to take the picture of, you are starting a process to better know yourself.  Your pictures are fragments of emotion, showing what a powerful language photography can be,” says Zanazzo.