Structural Reinventions

Structural Reinventions

In order to move forward, it is often important to look back. The eighth edition of MIA Photo Fair, Milan, brings together a range of works by prominent figures, whilst providing a springboard for growing practitioners. Selected exhibitors introduce new methods of image-making, complemented by others who survey the rich and well-established narrative of the medium.

For example, artists from Atelier Relief Gallery, Belgium, transcend the two-dimensional form through innovative sculptural pieces. Contributors include Australian street photographer George Byrne (b. 1976), a practitioner featured in the current issue of Aesthetica Magazine, whose work is defined by a colourful abstraction of urban structures. Byrne’s relief, Peach Wall With Purple, gives new depth to his existing oeuvre, offering the viewer a fresh perspective on the built environment. The collection also features Matthieu Venot (b. 1979), whose series was published in Aesthetica Issue 66. The artist applies a similar approach, combining bright colours, graphic lines and geometric patterns to vibrantly articulate residential neighbourhoods in France.

Similarly, Spazio Damiani, Bologna, foregrounds practitioners creatively interacting with architectural surroundings.  These include Hiroshi Sugimoto (b. 1948), who records the interiors of theatres as part of a mission to document an entire film in a single frame. The results are defined by the luminosity of the screen, which dominates the compositional plane whilst subtly highlighting the rich architectural spaces. The gallery also offers contributions from Joel Meyerowitz and Larry Fink, joining institutions such as Jörg Maaß Kunsthandel gallery, Berlin – which features names such as Berenice Abbott, Robert Adams, Robert Frank, William Eggleston, Helmut Newton and Man Ray – in celebrating the history of the medium.

Looking into the future, the fair introduces developing practitioners aged 18-25 by showcasing new galleries such as Still Young, Milan, which fosters emerging creative talent. Furthermore, BNL Gruppo BNP Paribas highlights female photographers through a diverse collection, including Marie Bovo, Silvia Camporesi and Rori Palazzo, whilst partners Lavazza discuss 2030: What Are You Doing?, an cultural strand of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals which includes portraits of ecological ambassadors by Armando Testa.

The fair runs from 9-12 March. Find out more here.

Credits:
1. Hiroshi Sugimoto, South Bay Drive-In, San Diego, 1993. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York Gift, The Bohen Foundation, 2001. © 1993 Hiroshi Sugimoto