In Reggio Emilia, European photography 2025 returns from 24 April, one of the most beautiful appointments to investigate reality

What does it mean twenty years old today? Try to tell it the exhibitions of the XX edition of European photography that starts on April 24 in Reggio Emilia. The festival every year invites us to reflect on the changes of our time through the universal language of the image and this year turns the look at the Generation Z.

European photography is now a point of reference to Reggio Emilia and not only for photography enthusiasts and for anyone who wants to explore our time through the eyes of great masters and young talents who work with images. This year the protagonists are the young people of the Z generation to which the theme of the edition, Be twenty years old.

How many times as adults we feel the desire to return to live those twenty years, an age full of dreams and hopes, when everything still seems possible? But what does it really mean to be young today? What do the children of the Z generation feel? From this question the edition of this year of the Festival starts, edited by Tim Clark, Walter Guadagnini and Luce Lebart.

The projects chosen lead to attention unpublished and particular stories but all innervated by that immense vital energy that leads you to believe, at least once in your life, to be able to change the world. The chosen photographs are an investigation of a generation Thatdespite having access to infinite opportunities thanks to technological progress, globalization, a widespread “state of well -being”, He also faces unpublished challengeslike social isolation, the overwhelming expectations of previous generations and the difficulties in building a stable future. The fil rouge are the struggle for the rights, the social change and the future of our planet, told through stories of hope, but also of challenges and contradictions.

European photography, exhibitions

The Cloister of San Pietroone of the most beautiful spaces in the city of Reggio Emiliahosts the ten exhibitions that give body to the theme of this edition, ranging from the great works of the international masters to the personal reflections of new talents.

Among the most anticipated exhibitions this year is the one dedicated to the legendary Japanese photographer Daido moriyamawhich for the first time in Italy has a complete retrospective. The exhibition, curated by Thyago Nogueira of the Institute Moreira Salles, is a journey into the universe of Moriyama, who for sixty years has explored the post -war Japanese society. With his unique vision, Moriyama captured the fractures between tradition and modernity in an increasingly western Japan, becoming a pivotal figure of the street photography.

Daido Moriyama, Kanagawa, 1967. From in Hunter. © Daido Moriyama/Daido Moriyama Photo Foundation

The British photographer Andy Sewell lead to European photography His project Slowly and then all at Oncein which she explores power and protest through images that affect their physicality and intensity. Sewell, with an engaging visual language, transports the public to the heart of the events, inviting to reflect on the ecological crisis, social inequalities and insufficient political responses in the face of global problems. A challenge to fight cynicism and indifference.

Andy Sewell Slowly and then All At Once London 2019 © Andy Sewell

Andy Sewell, Slowly and then all at OnceLondon, 2019 © Andy Sewell

In the project Mal de Merthe Italian photographer Claudio Majorana Explore the difficult transition from adolescence to adulthood. His images, which portray young people in the evocative landscapes of Lithuania, tell the pain and confusion typical of adolescence, but also the discovery of oneself and reflection on the future. An emotional journey between the fears and hopes of those who are on the verge of adulthood.

Claudio Majorana Mal de Mer Lithuania 2022 Claudio Majorana Cesura ©

Claudio Majorana, Mal de MerLithuania, 2022, Claudio Majorana / Cesura ©

© Claudio Majorana / Cesura

Ghazal Golshiri And Marie Sumalla bring a powerful testimony of protests in Iran, with You Don’t Diea report that documents the revolt following the death of Mahsa Amini, victim of abuse by the moral police. The photographs show the strength and courage of the Iranian people, who challenged brutal repressions to defend their rights. A visual story that reminds us of the importance of fighting for justice and freedom.

Marie Sumalla Amp Ghazal Golshiri Saggez Iranian Kurdistan Octaber 26 2022 © Anonymous Author

Marie Sumalla & Ghazal Golshiri, Saggez, Iranian Kurdistan, Octaber 26, 2022, © Anonymous Author

The British artist Vinca Petersen present Raves and Riots Constellationa collection of images that tell moments of freedom in contexts of illegality and social tension. His shots, made during his trips to Europe, document the subversive joy of events such as raves, events and gatherings, revealing how these moments of resistance can become acts of purification and collective expression.

Vinca Petersen Riot Boy 1998 © Vinca Petersen

Vinca Petersen, Riot boy1998 © Vinca Petersen

Martin Parr

The project We are carver Of Jessica Ingram He brings spectators to the Military High Schools of the United States, where he follows the cadet students in their transition from adolescence to adulthood. Through a direct documentary language, Ingram offers a cross -section of the American educational system and the challenges and hopes of a new generation that is preparing to change the world.

Jessica Ingram Making Rank Columbus G 2013. Jessica Ingram © 2025

Jessica Ingram, Making Rank, Columbus, Ga, 2013. Jessica Ingram © 2025

Jessica Ingram

Thaddé Comar Explore surveillance and social control in its project How Was Your Dream?focused on resistance techniques used by Hong Kong demonstrators to protect their identity during protests against the Chinese government. Comar’s images question us about the concept of individuality and freedom in a world increasingly dominated by surveillance.

Thaddè Comar ItsraininghowWasyourdream © Thaddè Comar

Thaddè Comar, Itsraining_howowasyourdream © Thaddè Comar

Comar

Practical information

From 24 April to 8 June 2025, to the cloisters of San Pietro, Reggio Emilia. The exhibitions will be open to the public every day from 10 to 20, with free admission for the residents of Reggio Emilia and with special rates for students and groups. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the official website of the Festival.

Source: Vanity Fair

You may also like