Last Sunday, November 19th, marked the conclusion of the 8th edition of the PhotoVogue Festival, which began on Thursday, November 16th. Featuring seven exhibitions and an A.I. Symposium titled What makes us human? Image in the Age of A.I., the festival delved into the evolution of Artificial Intelligence and our interaction with it.
Like every year, the Festival is a moment for us to nurture our community and connect with artists beyond their work. In times like these, it s more important than ever to understand the value of sharing experiences and coming together with people who share similar values and beliefs. This is essential in forging a more just and inclusive world. Celebrating and honoring talent in its diverse manifestations and cultures has become a crucial stepping stone for carving out new, common paths. This edition sought to spark an open conversation around A.I., a topic that has sharply divided public opinion in recent years. It seemed undeniably urgent to establish a common ground for discussing both the threats and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence.
“Our intention was to address the ethical, aesthetic, and political implications raised by this revolutionary technology. We explored A.I. s potential to reshape our understanding of creativity, human existence, and how we communicate and convey our visions to the world,” said Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global PhotoVogue and Director of the PhotoVogue Festival. To delve into the concept of A.I. and its ever-changing, multifaceted impact on our lives, the PhotoVogue Festival hosted a three-day Symposium, from November 17th to 19th. Here, artists, experts, and intellectuals examined A.I. from various angles, ranging from ethical connotations to the new frontiers of fashion imagery. Complementing the Symposium were satellite events at the city s most prestigious galleries.
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Attracting over 10,000 visitors, the Festival offered seven different exhibitions, reflecting the complexity of our times and this year s theme. “What is Beauty?” and “What is Beauty/A.I.” showcased the works of 53 artists from around the world, selected through our annual Global Open Call. Focused on A.I., “Uncanny Atlas: Image in the Age of A.I.”, curated by Chiara Bardelli Nonino, and “Eternal Loops” by Alejandro Cartagena, mapped the fluid essence of this technology. “Spanish Women: A Contemporary Portrait of Strength and Beauty” displayed the exceptional outcomes of the Local Open Call in Spain. “CondéFuture” and “EyeMama” exhibited the works of young students supported by Condé Nast’s CondéFuture program and the unique perspectives of female and non-binary photographers.
The Festival commenced with Refik Anadol s Lectio Magistralis “Creating A.I. Art with a Thinking Brush” and concluded with a panel discussion featuring notable guests like Hans Ulrich Obrist, Ferdinando Verderi, and Charlie Engman, along with closing remarks by Christiane Mack, Chief Content Operations Officer at Condé Nast.
The PhotoVogue Festival highlighted the cutting-edge features of the Google Pixel 8, a smartphone crafted by Google that seamlessly integrates Artificial Intelligence for unparalleled experimentation and creative expression. At the heart of this collaboration lied a captivating project featuring artists Bettina Pittaluga and Tara Laure Claire, harnessing the power of Google Pixel 8 s advanced camera and AI functionalities to weave original photographic narratives. The resultant works took center stage at the "Through the Beholder s Eye" exhibition at Base Milano, where attendees were invited to delve into the transformative possibilities unlocked by the smartphone s AI capabilities. In addition, the PhotoVogue Festival and Google Pixel s Creator Labs united in a project showcasing their common passions: supporting artists, amplifying perspectives, and promoting visual narratives. Creator Labs artists featured in the festival s panel, "What Happens When Creativity Meets Technology?" discussing how Google Pixel s AI serves as an extension of the artist s hand, enhancing their visions. This collaboration explored the heart of artistic evolution, revealing vast possibilities in the synergy between creativity and technology.
Beyond the lens, the Festival s extensive partnerships underscored a commitment to diverse facets of creativity and societal impact. Puig, a third-generation family-owned premium beauty company, stood as a key supporter, aligning with PhotoVogue s mission to foster inclusivity through visual literacy. Three of the participating artists - the Togo Yeye duo, composed of Delali Ayivi and Malaika Nabillah, and Silvana Trevale, presented special exhibitions: "By the Grace of Us" and “Unveiling Beauty in Chuao”. Audi contributed with "Elegia lodigiana" by Gabriele Cecconi, a curated exhibition that amplifies awareness about environmental conservation, reinforcing the festival s engagement with critical societal issues.
Cristalfarma, an Italian company specialized in the creation and marketing of advanced supplements that produced high-quality products recognized by health professionals, was the Event Supporter of the PhotoVogue Festival, sharing values such as sustainability, innovation, and transparency. Massimo Dutti brought its distinct contribution to the table, championing emerging artistic talent. With the "Art in Progress" initiative, the fashion house is committed to supporting the creativity of artists in some of the major cities around the world. FLOS, the Lighting Partner, bathed the festival in brightness, showcasing iconic designs that seamlessly blend avant-garde aesthetics with technological innovation. A special thanks also to Westwing, Europe’s No. 1 in Beautiful Living e-commerce.
The collaborative spirit extends to media partnerships with URBAN VISION and Flash Art, enriching the festival s global resonance. Radio Monte Carlo, as the official radio partner, lended its voice to the celebration of art and creativity. Together, these collaborations weaved a rich tapestry that transcends traditional boundaries, creating an immersive experience at the intersection of technology, art, and environmental consciousness. The PhotoVogue Festival emerges not merely as a showcase of visual artistry but as a dynamic convergence of ideas, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our community, whose passion and inspiration drive us to look towards the future with hope, to tackle the ongoing challenges in photography and our reality, and to envision new, bright horizons for PhotoVogue.\
PhotoVogue Festival is a project directed by Alessia Glaviano (Head of Global PhotoVogue) and co-curated by Francesca Marani (Senior Photo Editor, Vogue Italia), Chiara Bardelli Nonino (Editor, Writer and Curator), Daniel Rodríguez Gordillo (Content Operations Strategy Manager, Condé Nast) and Caterina De Biasio (Visual Editor, PhotoVogue)
