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Star photographer Oliviero Toscani is seriously ill

The Italian star photographer Oliviero Toscani says he is terminally ill. (Archive photo) Photo: picture alliance

The Italian star photographer Oliviero Toscani says he is terminally ill. (Archive photo) Photo

© picture alliance / dpa

The Italian Oliviero Toscani once caused a sensation with shocking photos for a fashion brand. Now he suffers from an incurable disease – but says he is not afraid of dying.

The Italian star photographer Oliviero Toscani says he is seriously ill. The 82-year-old reported in the Milan daily newspaper “Corriere della Sera” that he is currently undergoing experimental treatment after an emergency operation without much hope of success. “I am a guinea pig,” said Toscani, who became internationally known in the 1980s, particularly through advertising campaigns for the Italian fashion brand Benetton.

Toscani says he suffers from the disease amyloidosis. “In essence, proteins build up in certain vital spots and block the body. And you die. There is no cure,” the photographer explained.

Lost 40 kilograms

Pictures published for the interview show that the Milanese has lost a lot of weight. “I’ve lost 40 kilos in one year,” said Toscani. “I can’t even drink wine anymore: my sense of taste has changed because of the medication.”

The disease was diagnosed last summer. In October, he also contracted pneumonia and Covid-19. “I think I was dead for a few minutes: I remember an abstract something with somewhat psychedelic colors.”

“Too much and too well lived”

When asked if he was afraid of dying, Toscani replied: “No, I’m not afraid. As long as it doesn’t hurt. Besides, I’ve lived too much and too well. I’m spoiled. I’ve never had a master, no salary. I’ve always been free.”

Toscani had photographed advertising campaigns for Benetton for more than 15 years until the photographer and company parted ways. He was repeatedly accused of being provocative with his choice of models – anorexics, AIDS patients, prisoners sentenced to death. After a brief return, the company ended its collaboration with Toscani in 2020. He also showed his pictures in many exhibitions, including in Germany.

dpa

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