Photographer Oliviero Toscani Dies at 82

Oliviero Toscani, the renowned Italian photographer and advertising visionary famous for his provocative campaigns for United Colors of Benetton, has passed away at the age of 82 after battling amyloidosis, a rare and incurable disease. His family announced his death on January 13, 2025, following a serious hospitalization that began on January 10. Throughout his six-decade career, Toscani was known for using shocking imagery to address social issues like AIDS, racism, and the death penalty, most notably featuring a dying AIDS patient in a controversial 1992 campaign. Toscani's work often sparked debate and legal challenges, but he maintained a commitment to highlighting significant social themes through his art. He expressed a desire to be remembered for his entire body of work rather than any single image, emphasizing the importance of ethical and political choices in photography. Toscani leaves behind a legacy as a revolutionary figure in visual communication and fashion.