From Enzo Ferrari to Michael Mann:
Running in Time: Modena and the Passion of Motors in the Photographic Paintings of Gennaro Graziano

The exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, 7, and Sunday, 8, in Mazzini Square.

The exhibition will feature 40 artistic images consisting of vintage photographs hand-colored with watercolors by the artist Gennaro Graziano, who is now well known for his distinctive technique. The display will be divided into two parts: 20 images on Saturday dedicated to telling the story of Ferrari, and 20 on Sunday focused on the history of Maserati and Stanguellini. Through this, Graziano offers an emotional tribute to the rich history of Modena’s motorsport and the enduring local passion for cars and racing.
“Motorsport is not just about individual talent,” explains the artist, “but also about industry and business acumen. In Modena, thanks to a fortunate convergence of circumstances, these elements came together in three prestigious brands: Ferrari, Maserati, and Stanguellini. With the images in this exhibition, I wanted to tell the story of their racing legacy from the 1920s to the 1950s, using watercolors to bring old black-and-white photographs to life. This technique highlights the passion, courage, and professionalism of those roaring years. My photo-painting approach gives new grace and meaning to these historic figures and landscapes.”
Enriching the exhibition will be a remarkable centerpiece: an authentic Filone of a Testarossa created by Afro Gibellini, the last master panel beater of the legendary Scaglietti bodyshop. The Filone is a wire frame, handmade and used as a full-scale model for shaping and fitting aluminum panels. The example on display dates back to 1957 and was produced for only a few years. Today, Mr. Afro Gibellini continues to create these rare pieces using a technique that is unique in the world.

Who is Gennaro Graziano?
Gennaro Graziano was born in Rossano (Calabria) on August 12, 1954. In 1957, he moved with his family to Modena, where he now lives and works in Nonantola. He studied at the Venturi Institute of Art, where he was introduced to hand-coloring photography with watercolors and colored pencils by Prof. Tedeschi. His most notable exhibitions have taken place in Cologne (Germany) in 2018 and Saumur (France) in 2024. He has also been invited by the Chinese Ministry of Culture to exhibit in Shanghai alongside Chinese artist Zhang.