The STILL Photography Gallery in Milan has opened its doors to the photographic collective Human Nature – spaces, identities, transformationsa journey that explores human identity through the relationship with space and internal and social transformations.
Despite the pouring rain and a strike that could have discouraged, the inauguration turned into a real success. The curator will do the honors Denis Curti, one of the most influential figures in the panorama of contemporary photography in Italy. The gallery was alive with visitors, enthusiasts, professionals and the curious, all united by the same desire to observe, listen and discuss, demonstrating how art can gather attention and participation around itself.
The exhibition brings together nine male and female authors, each bearer of a personal and recognizable look. The works on display reflect on the theme of human nature, on the relationship between individual and space and on individual and collective transformations, giving life to a journey full of references, contrasts and affinities.
Eight of the nine photographers were present at the inauguration. The absent author, the Peruvian photographer and biologist Juan Borja, however participated in the evening by connecting live from Lima and greeted the public, creating a moment of strong participation and closeness despite the geographical distance.
The artists present proved to be available, affable and generous, ready to dialogue with everyone, without any distinction between sector experts and simple visitors. It was possible to stop, ask questions, interact directly with the authors, listening to the meaning of the works on display from their voices. An authentic and appreciated attitude.
Among the public too Francesca Malgara, director of the MIA Photo Fair BNP Paribas, the most important international fair in Italy entirely dedicated to art photography. His presence further underlined the interest and value recognized in this exhibition project.
The journey through the gallery is a walk through different but harmoniously connected photographic languages.
A moment from the inauguration at the Still Gallery
The visual power of Cesare Di Liborio takes shape with WonderWomen, Lumen Flowers and Aurea, female portraits obtained with ancient techniques such as mordançage which celebrate the strength and beauty of women, while the plants in her herbariums acquire a new aesthetic dimension.
The abstract poetry of Paolo Zanoni is expressed with Elementum Aqvawhich creates minimalist and evocative underwater settings, trying to convey the profound experience of contact with water.
Flavio Tecchio with Trip to Rajasthan he searches for a contemporary India in black and white with rarefied atmospheres, delicately capturing the ways of a society that is gradually transforming. In this vision, harmony and careful research into composition prevail.
Ruggero Ruggieri in Showcases carries out a project for the streets of the center of Treviso. With a dreamlike and conceptual gaze he transforms shop windows into real film sets.
Laetitia Farellacci in PANTA REI transitional horizontality, explores the concept of crossing borders and merging with the surrounding environment.
The fragile and contemporary introspection of Maria Montalbò in The Island (or about cocooning) it opens spaces of silence and reflection and offers a metaphor for withdrawing into oneself in a complex world, between isolation and relationships.
Francesca Fontana decisively addresses the themes of identity and the breakdown of roles in El Peso del Estoquetelling the story of Raquel Martín, a young matadora who challenges social and cultural barriers.
Juan Borja restores a vision of nature as memory and metamorphosis with Spirits of the Forest, investigating the aging of leaves and the effects of time on nature, and connecting botanical details to indigenous communities.
Carlo Traini in the work In Itinere he captures the daily passage of the humanity that surrounds him from inside his car. Passages, waits and trajectories in an infinite strip of asphalt.
The success of the evening was also the result of careful and sensitive curation, entrusted to Loredana De Pace – Studio CAOS of Monzawhich was able to build a coherent and harmonious path, valorising individual research without losing the strength of the collective story.
An intense, participatory and lively inauguration. A unique experience, capable of uniting works, people and visions, transforming the visit into an authentic moment of cultural sharing.
Visiting Human Nature – spaces, identities, transformations means give yourself time for a careful and authentic look at contemporary photography. A precious opportunity to meet different languages, profound sensitivities and rare visions, which are difficult to find together in the same space. An event not to be missed.
Useful information
Human Nature – spaces, identities, transformations
STILL Photography – Art and photography gallery
Via Ludovico Lazzaro Zamenhof 11, Milan
Dates: 15 January – 6 February 2026
Entrance: free
Visiting hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 3.00pm – 7.00pm
