Photo provided to China Daily

For about 10 years, Castaldi created collage works - cutting the pictures he took into pieces and re-arranging them, then

shooting a new image. This photography method was his own invention, according to Paolo Castaldi, the photographer's son, who is also the curator of the exhibition.

Another approach Alfa Castaldi tried and often used was cutting the pictures he took into strips and weaving them to make interesting effects, says Paolo Castaldi.

Some pictures exhibited were taken in eastern Europe and southern Italy where Alfa Castaldi traveled. He took beautiful garments with him on the trips and asked local people to try them on.

"Characteristics of the beautiful garments and beautiful people are exposed among the stark contrasts," says Paolo Castaldi.

His father's curiosity spread beyond just the fashion world. He also focused his lens on day-to-day scenes that one might easily ignore amid the fast pace of life. In the 1980s he spent weeks shooting examples of small graffiti in France - images that are also shown at the current exhibition.

IF YOU GO

Poet Behind the Lens

10 am-10 pm, until Sept 8.

5F Gallery at 10 Corso Como, North Annex Wheelock Square, 1717 Nanjing Xilu (West Road), Shanghai.

021-6218-8939.