Right after the Irpinia earthquake in 1980, Monguzzi was asked by the city of Milan to create a poster to inspire help for the victims. It was agreed that Monguzzi would make a strictly typographical black-and-white diptych that would include a poem by Franco Fortini and a second brief text. Monguzzi, however, made a single poster, using a photographic image of two mourning women. When he presented his work the next day, the audience—more than 20 politicians—remained silent for a long time. The commission accepted Monguzzi’s new solution: it was indeed more powerful.
City of Milan. “Di mano in mano…” For the assistance of earthquake victims in Irpinia. Poster, 1980, 98×140 cm. Photo Dpa, Die Welt.
