Former Benetton photographer Oliviero Toscani, renowned for his provocative work, revealed to Corriere della Sera that he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness called amyloidosis.
Toscani, 82, did not specify how long he might have left but shared the toll it’s taken: “I’ve lost 40kg in a year… I don’t know how long I have left to live, but I’m not interested in living like this anyway.” He hinted at seeking help from Marco Cappato, a prominent right-to-die activist who has supported Italians wishing to end their lives at Switzerland’s Dignitas clinic, despite Italy’s ban on assisted suicide.
Toscani’s career is marked by a legacy of powerful, often controversial images that challenged social norms. He is best known for his work with Benetton, where he used shocking imagery to spark conversations on issues like AIDS, racism, war, and capital punishment. Notable campaigns included the image of an AIDS sufferer portrayed as a pietà, three hearts labelled ‘black’, ‘white’, and ‘yellow’, a kiss between a priest and a nun, and a chilling depiction of a woman’s body ravaged by anorexia. His boundary-pushing style drew both acclaim and criticism, solidifying his reputation as a fearless artist who tackled taboo subjects.
Interested in social justice themes
Beyond his work for Benetton, Toscani’s influence extended to major brands, fashion magazines, and social causes. He was a driving force behind campaigns that brought global attention to societal issues, such as the 1993 campaign featuring death row inmates, which aimed to challenge views on capital punishment. He has worked with brands like Esprit, Valentino, and Chanel, and his photography appeared in Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. In addition to commercial success, Toscani co-founded Colors magazine with Benetton, an innovative publication dedicated to global culture and social justice themes.
In his interview, Toscani said he wants to be remembered not for a single photo, but for his entire body of work and its impact on the world. His latest health struggles cast a shadow over his outspoken career, but his defiant spirit remains intact. Amyloidosis, the disease he faces, is a rare and serious condition caused by abnormal protein deposits in the body, which can lead to organ damage and failure. Toscani’s openness about his diagnosis adds another layer to his complex legacy—one that continues to provoke thought, even in his final chapter.
