The PhotoVogue Festival returns for its ninth edition, celebrating the interconnectedness and beauty of the natural world while addressing pressing global challenges. From March 6th to 9th, 2025 at BASE Milano. Discover the full program below.
The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Since its inception, the PhotoVogue Festival has championed themes that are both ethically and aesthetically significant, exploring subjects such as the female gaze, representation, masculinity, inclusivity, and the reframing of history. It has examined the pervasive influence of imagery on our understanding of the world and tackled cutting-edge issues, including the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its ethical implications in image creation.
This year, the festival offers a rich program of exhibitions, panels, presentations, and digital showcases, providing an inclusive platform for dialogue and reflection. Visitors are invited to engage with a global community of artists, thought leaders, and organizations advocating for environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Make sure to check this article regularly, as updates will be added, and the schedule for the panels may be subject to changes.
PROGRAM OF THE TALKS
The festival unites a global community of artists, thought leaders, and organisations to explore its central theme, The Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature, alongside the enduring values at the heart of PhotoVogue. Key program elements include The Story Behind the Image, where artists present their work in six-minute segments, sharing personal narratives and insights into their creative processes. These sessions are organised into thematic categories and followed by moderated discussions. Additionally, prominent figures will deliver inspiring and thought-provoking talks.
2.00 - 3.00 pm Opening
Speakers:Alessia Glaviano – Head of Global PhotoVogue
Richard Mosse – Photographer
Ami Vitale – Photojournalist
Gavin Van Horn – Executive Editor of Humans & Nature Press Books
Azu Nwagbogu – Founder and Director of African Artists' Foundation (AAF)
3.00 - 5.00 pm “Our Planet, Our Responsibility: Environment, Climate Change & Social Issues”. A discussion between photographers Christopher Rogel Blanquet, Ali Marin, Charlie Cordero, Khashayar Javanmardi, Oded Wagenstein, Maria di Stefano, Andrea Alessi, Irene Ottaviani, Javier Alvarez, moderated by Afsaneh Rafii.
5.15 - 6.45 pm “Latin American Panorama: Through the Fashion Lens”. A discussion between photographers Viridiana, Patricia Reyes, Thais Vandanezi, Andres Altamirano, Gabriel Gomez, Diego Bendezu, moderated by Constanza Cavalli Etro.
7.00 - 7.20 pm “Introducing Prix Pictet. Alessia Glaviano in conversation with Isabelle von Ribbentrop, Executive Director, Prix Pictet”. The Prix Pictet aims to harness the power of photography – all genres of photography – to draw global attention to issues of sustainability, especially those concerning the environment.
7.20 - 8.40 pm “The Burning World” Lectio Magistralis by Richard Mosse. Presented by Prix Pictet
Following the lecture, Richard Mosse will hold a book signing in collaboration with Micamera, at BASE.
2.00 - 4.15 pm "Beyond Borders: Diaspora & Representation”. A discussion between photographers Laura Gauch, Sergio Pontier, Vilerx Perez, Fidelio Faustino, Carolina Arantes, Chris Perez, Félix Márquez, moderated by Jordan Anderson.
4.30 - 5.45 pm “Artful Narratives”. A discussion between photographers Juan Brenner, Neel Bhattacharjee, Saurabh Narang, and Claudia Revidat, moderated by Yael Martinez.
Following the panel “Artful Narratives”, Yael Martinez will hold a book signing in collaboration with Micamera, at BASE.
6.00 - 8.00 pm “Surreal Realities: A Magical Approach to Documentary Photography”. A discussion between photographers Alessandro Bo, Igor Furtado & Labō Young, Lisandro Suriel, Ioanna Sakellaraki, Aletheia Casey, Dolores Medel, Gui Christ, Fernanda Pineda, moderated by Elisa Medde.
2.00 - 2.30 pm Biodiversity: Through the Lens – A Conversation with John Steele
2.30 - 3.00 pm “Elemental Joys of Kinship” by John Hausdoerffer and Gavin Van Horn.
3.00 - 3.30 pm “Wild Hope” by Ami Vitale
3.30 - 3.50 pm “The Beautiful Truth” presents Beastly: 40,000 Years of Animals and Us, a short film inspired by the book of the same name by Keggie Carew. This film explores the profound and evolving relationship between humans and animals throughout history; exploring what it means to be human, what it means to be animal, and what it means to be both.
Featuring and based on the book by Keggie Carew
Directed by Jackson Gyori
© The Beautiful Truth. All rights reserved.
For more information, visit wearetbt.com.
3.50 - 5.50 pm “Animal Kinship: Love and Connection, Activism and Sanctuaries”. A group discussion with photographers Claire Rosen, Xavi Bou, Lucrezia Testa Iannilli, Mauro Curti, Juan Francisco Sanchez, Ronald Pizzoferrato, moderated by Nina Van Brunt.
6.00 - 8.30 pm “Honoring Indigenous Cultures”. A group discussion with photographers Ángela Ponce, Ana Caroline de Lima, Sara Meneses Cuapio, Maria José Rojas, Tatiana Lopez, Sani Montahuno, Lucia Alonso Garrido, Gleeson Paulino, Mauricio Holc, Imraan Christian, moderated by Nina Gualinga.
11.30 am - 1.30 pm “Fashion for Change: Raising Awareness Through Creativity.” A group discussion with Delali Ayivi, Silvana Trevale, Bettina Pittaluga, Ana Margarita Flores, Eliya Blue Kizozo, Tara L. C. Sood, moderated by Alessia Glaviano.
2.15 - 2.45 “Weaving Craft, Culture, and Climate: On Fashion for Environmental & Social Justice” by Aditi Mayer
2.45 - 5.00 pm “Shared Perspectives: The Female and Male Gaze on Women”. A group discussion with artists Lotte van Raalte, Marisol Méndez, Persia Campbell, Sofie Flinth, Irene Alison, Diego Moreno, Enrique Leyva, Margarita V. Beltrán, Bodhi Shola, moderated by Bruno Ceschel.
5.00 - 6.15 pm “The Art of Recycling.” A group discussion with artists David Yayra Agbofah (The Revival), Rafael Kouto, Ruby Okoro and Peter D. Abayomi (Eran Jije Project), Delali Cofie, moderated by Willow Defebaugh.
6.20 - 6.50 pm “Reconnecting People + Planet” by Alice Aedy.
7.00 - 8-00 pm “The Transformative Power of Vision featuring Elizaveta Porodina in Conversation with Willow Defebaugh” Presented by Atmos
EXHIBITIONS
All the exhibitions are free and open to the public.
THE TREE OF LIFE: A LOVE LETTER TO NATURE
Since its inception, the PhotoVogue Festival has explored the intersection of ethics and aesthetics, dedicating its exhibitions each year to pressing themes such as the female gaze, representation, masculinity, inclusivity, and reframing history. This year, the Festival invites visitors on a visual journey into our kinship with animals and nature, offering new ways to interact with and reimagine our relationship with the planet we call home.
This exhibition showcases the multicultural and diverse voices of Latin America, offering a glimpse into the region through the perspectives of its talented artists. Selected through the local open call “Latin America Panorama,” these artists reflect on the culture, challenges, and future of their region.
This digital exhibition highlights iconic Vogue covers from global editions that celebrate the relationship between fashion and nature. Spanning decades, the covers emphasize sustainability, creativity, and the harmony between art and the environment.
Vogue global editions include British Vogue, Vogue Adria, Vogue Arabia, Vogue Australia, Vogue Brazil, Vogue China, Vogue Czech Republic & Slovakia, Vogue France, Vogue Germany, Vogue Greece, Vogue Hong Kong, Vogue India, Vogue Italia, Vogue Japan, Vogue Korea, Vogue Mexico & Latin America, Vogue Netherlands, Vogue Philippines, Vogue Poland, Vogue Portugal, Vogue Scandinavia, Vogue Singapore, Vogue Spain, Vogue Taiwan, Vogue Thailand, Vogue Türkiye, Vogue U.S. and Vogue Ukraine.
A curated collection of books and magazines offers audiences deeper insights into the festival's theme.
THE TREE OF CHANGE
A series of slideshows, videos, and contributions from organisations dedicated to environmental advocacy. Key projects include:
- Vital Impacts – The Nature of Hope: A collection of wildlife photography by renowned artists like Nick Brandt and Cristina Mittermeier
- Earthrise Studio – The Ghost Rainforest: A short film documenting the role of Indigenous leadership in conservation.
- The Essence of Prix Pictet: A video tracing the history of this prestigious photography award, showcasing its impact on addressing global challenges.
- Institute for Postnatural Studies – Metaphysics of Mixture: Experimental video art exploring the interplay of nature, culture, and coexistence through six unique plant species.
- Charlie Hamilton James – End Time Project: A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of powerful imagery depicting humanity's impact on the environment.
- PhMuseum – Human Visions: Works reflecting on humanity’s relationship with the environment, shortlisted for the 2024 Women Photographers Grant.
- CondéFuture: A showcase highlighting creative talents from underrepresented communities inspired by the festival’s theme.
- VII Foundation – Square Mile: Stories of community resilience and the guardianship of nature, explored through photography.
- Wild Summon by Karni & Saul: A short film blending natural history and poetic storytelling, reimagining the life cycle of salmon in human form.
- Latin American Fashion Awards: A global platform celebrating Latin American creativity in fashion. Highlights include award-winning talent like Camila Falquez (Fashion Photographer of the Year) and Elliot & Erick (Emerging Fashion Photographers of the Year), with a transformative impact on the global industry.
- Nautilus Presents: Biodiversity: Though the Lens: An exhibition showcasing the beauty and fragility of ocean biodiversity through powerful nature photography, in partnership with UNESCO and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy.
- A Vision Beyond Reality: A Visual Journey by Elizaveta Porodina, Presented by Atmos
What Else to See in Milano: A Curated Art Guide
- “A Kind of Language: Storyboards and Other Renderings for Cinema” at Osservatorio Prada. Curated by Melissa Harris.
- "George Hoyningen-Huene: Glamour and Avant-Garde" at Palazzo Reale. Artist: George Hoyningen-Huene. Curated by Susanna Brown.
- “The Subject Matters” at Viasaterna. Artists: Gerry Johansson, Guido Guidi, Takashi Homma, Terri Weifenbach and Vanessa Winship (UK, 1960).Curated by Luca Fiore.
- “Alternative horizons” by Fondazione Luciana Matalon. Artist: Gianmarco Taietti.
- “Vestiges d’Empire” and “Veduta” at Podbielski Contemporary. Artist: Thomas Jorion.
- "Lonely Are All Bridges. Birgit Jürgenssen and Cinzia Ruggeri" at Fondazione ICA. Artists: Birgit Jürgenssen and Cinzia Ruggeri. Curated by Maurizio Cattelan and Marta Papini.
- “Ultrabanale” at Leica Galerie Milano. Curated by Maurizio Beucci.
- “Maschere e specchi - Uno sguardo femminista” at Ex Fornace - Istituto Italiano di Fotografia. Curated by Camilla Ferrari.
- "Storie Naturali" at CFP Bauer.
- “Vodka Cola by Matteo Gatti" at Giampaolo Abbondio. Artist: Matteo Gatti.
- “Ron Galella: bellezza per sempre” at Nonostante Marras. Artist: Ron Galella. Curated by Francesca Alfano Miglietti.
- Launch of Arxipelag Magazine at Reading Room.
- Presentation of “Il Giardino” by Fabrizio Albertini at San Secondo. With Fabrizio Albertini, Tommaso Parrillo, Violetta Bellocchio, and Federico Barbon. Moderated by Francesca Marani
- FROM VISION TO IMAGE. A workshop proposed by PhotoVogue artist Delali Cofie in collaboration with Black History Months Milano. Saturday, March 9, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. You can subscribe here.
- Benedetta Casagrande. All things laid dormant, curated by Ilaria Campioli and Daniele De Luigi. Presented by Triennale Milano and running until March 16th, 2025,
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Dates
March 6th to 9th, 2025
Location
BASE Milano, Via Bergognone, 34, 20144 Milano MI, Italy
Hours
March 6th: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
March 7th to 9th: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
PhotoVogue Festival is a project directed by Alessia Glaviano (Head of Global PhotoVogue) and co-curated by Caterina De Biasio (Visual Editor, PhotoVogue) and Daniel Rodríguez Gordillo (Senior Manager, Education & Community Initiatives, Condé Nast).
BASE Milano is a hybrid cultural center serving the city, born from the regeneration of the industrial spaces of the former Ansaldo in the Tortona area. It's a creative hub with an international atmosphere, boasting a community that produces social innovation and cultural cross-pollination between art, business, welfare, and education.
Here, research, experimentation, and social design activities coexist with the production and co-production of cultural and entertainment initiatives. This includes artist residency processes, festivals dedicated to design and art, musical events, and an annual public program that opens the space 365 days a year.
BASE positions itself as a diverse and inclusive artistic institution that enables and promotes conditions of access, coexistence, and collaboration among the stakeholders in the cultural and creative chain.
