'Subversive creativity’ at the Clio’s

“Advertising industry creative pioneers, gurus, renegades, mould-breakers, mischief-makers, visionaries, genii and legends… They’re all candidates to be the star of the Saatchi & Saatchi Clio Hero Show,” said Bob Isherwood, Saatchi & Saatchi worldwide creative director, about the session. “Saatchi & Saatchi always champions new talent, but at the same time we also believe in championing the famous and the notorious. Oliviero Toscani is the prefect example of such an individual.”

Subversive

Isherwood, who is to be recognized with the 2007 Clio Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Festival, will explain the concept behind the new program and introduce Toscani, who will then speak and open the floor to questions.

“Creativity has to be subversive,” said Toscani. “It requires a state of non-control – of limitless courage. And that is why conformism is creativity’s worst enemy. Anyone who is unable to take risks cannot be creative.”

Tony Gulisano, managing director, Clio Awards, added: “The Saatchi & Saatchi Clio Hero Show is a rare opportunity for Clio delegates to hear a hero speak, and an even rarer opportunity to ask a hero some questions. We are extremely delighted to partner with Saatchi & Saatchi and launch this exciting new program element to the Festival.”

Oliviero Toscani breeds horses and produces olive oil in Tuscany. His images for Benetton, including a nun and a catholic priest kissing, a dying AIDS patient, a death row prisoner and a newly born baby with umbilical cord still intact, were provocative and impactful. No amount of controversy, however, can take away from Toscani’s genius as a photographer. His work has been exhibited at the Biennale of Venice, the Triennale of Milan, in Sao Paolo, Lausanne, Mexico City, Helsinki, Rome and more. He’s also won a whole clutch of prestigious awards.