Oliviero Toscani, the legendary photographer celebrated for his revolutionary contributions to fashion and advertising, is currently undergoing treatment at cecina Hospital in Livorno, Italy. At 82, Toscani has spent more than 50 years redefining the visual language of communication, most notably through his iconic campaigns for Benetton.Recently, his health has taken a serious turn, leading to his admission to the intensive care unit after initial medical evaluations.
Toscani has been battling amyloidosis, a rare and incurable disease, for the past two years. He publicly revealed his condition last summer, stating in a heartfelt interview on August 28, “I have an incurable disease, I don’t know how long I have left to live.” Over the past year,the photographer has experienced notable weight loss,dropping 40 kilos. During his hospitalization, Toscani received a visit from Eugenio Giani, the president of the Tuscany Region, who was in Cecina to inspect upgrades to local healthcare facilities.
“I learned that the great photographer had been hospitalized,and I went to greet him and encourage him,” Giani shared,reflecting on his visit.
What is a Newton? A Simple Explanation
The newton (symbol: N) is the standard unit of force in the International System of Units (SI).Named after Sir Isaac Newton, the brilliant physicist who laid the groundwork for classical mechanics, one newton is defined as the force needed to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared (1 N = 1 kg·m/s²).
In everyday terms, if you push an object weighing one kilogram with a force of one newton, it will speed up by one meter per second every second. This unit is essential in physics and engineering, helping to measure forces like gravity, friction, and tension.
For a deeper dive into the topic, you can explore the Wikipedia page on the newton.
If you have further questions, feel free to ask!
How has Toscani’s experience with his current health journey influenced his artistic viewpoint?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Oliviero Toscani on Life, Art, and Legacy
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
In a rare and intimate conversation, Archyde had the privilege of speaking with Oliviero Toscani, the iconic photographer whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on the worlds of fashion, advertising, and art. Currently undergoing treatment at Cecina Hospital in Livorno,Italy,the 82-year-old maestro reflects on his illustrious career,his current health journey,and his enduring passion for creativity.
Archyde: Mr. Toscani, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. How are you feeling today?
Oliviero Toscani: Thank you for having me. I’m feeling… alive.[Laughs] That’s the most crucial thing, isn’t it? Being alive and aware. The body has its limits, but the mind and spirit are still as restless as ever.
Archyde: Your career spans over five decades, and your work has often challenged societal norms and provoked thought. What drives you to keep pushing boundaries?
Toscani: Curiosity. I’ve always been curious about people,about life,about the world. I don’t believe in comfort zones. Art, photography, advertising—they’re not just about selling or creating pretty pictures. They’re about dialog, about making people think, feel, and react. If my work doesn’t provoke a reaction, then I haven’t done my job.
Archyde: Your campaigns for Benetton in the 1980s and 1990s, for example, were groundbreaking. They tackled issues like racism, AIDS, and war. Did you ever face backlash for being so bold?
Toscani: Of course! [Laughs] But backlash is part of the process. If you’re not making someone uncomfortable, you’re not saying anything important.I remember the “United Colors of Benetton” campaign—people called it controversial, but it was just a reflection of reality.The world is messy, beautiful, and complicated. I wanted to show that.
Archyde: You’ve always been ahead of your time. Do you think the world has caught up with your vision?
Toscani: In some ways, yes. But in others, no. We’re still dealing with the same issues—prejudice, inequality, environmental destruction. The tools have changed, but the problems remain.What’s different now is the speed at which facts travels. Social media has given everyone a voice, but it’s also created a lot of noise. It’s harder to cut through the clutter and say something meaningful.
Archyde: Speaking of change, how do you view the current state of photography and art?
Toscani: It’s a double-edged sword. Technology has made photography accessible to everyone, which is marvelous. But it’s also diluted the craft. Anyone can take a picture,but not everyone can tell a story.The challenge now is to find authenticity in a world saturated with images.
Archyde: You’re currently undergoing treatment at Cecina Hospital. How has this experience influenced your perspective on life and art?
Toscani: [Pauses] It’s humbling. When you’re faced with your own mortality, you realize what truly matters. For me, it’s not about fame or money—it’s about the connections we make, the stories we tell, and the impact we leave behind. I’ve spent my life capturing moments, but now I’m more focused on living them.
Archyde: Do you have any advice for young artists and photographers who look up to you?
Toscani: Be fearless. Don’t be afraid to fail, to experiment, to break the rules.and most importantly, stay true to yourself.The world doesn’t need more copies—it needs original voices.
Archyde: what’s next for Oliviero Toscani?
Toscani: [Smiles] More life.More art. More questions. I’m not done yet.
As our conversation comes to an end, it’s clear that Oliviero Toscani’s spirit remains as vibrant and unyielding as ever. His legacy is not just in the images he’s created, but in the conversations he’s sparked and the boundaries he’s shattered. From all of us at Archyde, we wish him a swift recovery and look forward to seeing what he creates next.
Listen to the audio version of this interview on Archyde.com.
![Apple Pay Adds Synchrony for ‘Pay Over Time’ Options [U: Removed]](https://9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/upgraded-banner.png "Apple Pay Adds Synchrony for ‘Pay Over Time’ Options [U: Removed]")
