From 6 to 9 March 2025, BASE Milano will host the ninth edition of the PhotoVogue Festival, an unmissable event for photography enthusiasts and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the relationship between art and sustainability. With the evocative title “The Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature”, the event aims to explore the resilience and interconnection between living beings, inviting the public to a deep reflection on contemporary environmental challenges.
A festival of images and ideas
Conceived by Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global PhotoVogue and director of the Festival, the event stands out for its mission: to stimulate an inclusive dialogue through conscious fashion photography. "Art has the power to inspire significant changes," says Glaviano, underlining the importance of a visual approach capable of raising public awareness on crucial issues.
Over the course of the four days, BASE Milano will transform into a true cultural hub, where exhibitions, panels and digital presentations will offer an immersive experience between aesthetics and social commitment. In addition to artists and creatives, experts and representatives of organizations active in environmental protection will intervene, confirming the interdisciplinary value of the Festival.
A journey between ethics and aesthetics
Since its inception in 2016, PhotoVogue Festival has focused on ethical and representational issues, exploring the role of images in constructing our perception of the world. Over the years, the festival has anticipated and analyzed highly topical topics, such as the evolution of artificial intelligence in the visual sector, the rewriting of history through photography, and new declinations of masculinity.
Curated by Caterina De Biasio, Visual Editor of PhotoVogue, and Daniel Rodríguez Gordillo, Content Operations and Strategy Manager of Condé Nast, this edition will continue to push the boundaries of fashion photography towards new horizons of awareness and responsibility.
A free event open to all
With the patronage of the Municipality of Milan, the PhotoVogue Festival confirms itself as an event of international importance, accessible to the public free of charge. A unique opportunity to approach a photography that goes beyond aesthetics, becoming a tool for reflection and change.
PhotoVogue Festival
March 6-9, 2025
BASE Milano – via Bergognone 34, 20144 Milan
Opening hours: March 6th 14.00pm-21.00pm; March 7th-9th 11.00am-21.00pm
Free entry
www.photovogue.com
#PhotoVogue
The program, meetings and exhibitions
PhotoVogue Festival 2025 celebrates the interconnectedness and beauty of the natural world while addressing pressing global challenges. Directed by Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global Photo Vogue, the ninth edition of PhotoVogue Festival, “The Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature,” delves into the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and ecosystems.
The four-day 2025 program features five major exhibitions featuring extraordinary images, experimental short films and videos, digital showcases, and over sixteen talks with exceptional artists, photographers, photojournalists, videographers, editors, and activists from around the world.
The event will take place from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th March 2025 at BASE Milano. The event is free and everyone is invited to attend.
On show
- The Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature – The Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature – open call, 45 artists.
- Panorama of Latin America – Latin America Panorama – open call, 40 artists.
- The Tree of Change – The Tree of Change – a series of presentations, videos and contributions from organizations committed to environmental protection with over one hundred author images.
- In Vogue with Nature – Digital showcase of all Vogue covers from global nature-related editions.
- Seeds of Knowledge – A Library of Knowledge – A selection of international books and magazines for an unconventional in-depth look at the themes of PhotoVogue 2025.
The entire PhotoVogue Festival program
- THE TREE OF LIFE – A LOVE LETTER TO NATURE
“The Tree of Life, a Love Letter to Nature” shows the fragility and beauty of our Planet and offers a confident reflection on the contemporary and the possible paths we can take for a more just future. The exhibition that gives its title to the festival presents the works of 45 artists and 5 videomakers selected by an international jury composed of the best Condé Nast professionals from around the world and experts from the global visual community.
Inspired by the concept of kinship explored in the volume Kinship: Belonging in a World of Relations (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2021) from the Center for Humans and Nature, curated by Gavin Van Horn, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and John Hausdoerffer, this exhibition proposes a new way of living, in which humans create meaningful connections with their ecosystems, challenging the status quo.
Artists in the exhibition: Alessandro Bo, Aletheia Casey, Alex Valentina, Amy Sacka, Amy Woodward, Ana Caroline de Lima, Bettina Pittaluga, Cécile Smetana, Charlie Cordero, Chiron Duong, Choi Sungdong, Claire Rosen, Claudia Revidat, David Yayra Agbofah – The Revival, Delali Ayivi, Delali Cofie, Devin Oktar Yalkin, Eliya Kizozo, Fee-Gloria Groenemeyer, Gleeson Paulino, Igor Furtado, Imraan Christian, Ioanna Sakellaraki, Jo-Anne McArthur, Katie Orlinsky, Kent Andreasen, Khashayar Javanmardi, Kin Coedel, Kouto Rafael, Ruby Okoro and Eran Jije Project, Matjaz Krivic, Lisandro Suriel, Lucia Alonso Garrido, Ronald Pizzoferrato aka Malandro Photos, Mohammad Rakibul Hasan, Mohammed Zaanoun, Nicola -Ókin- Frioli, Oded Wagenstein, Pablo Albarenga, Mariana Greif, and Soll Souza, Rafael M. Milani, Ritva Tuomi, Saurabh Narang, Silvana Trevale, Tara LC Sood, Wei Wang, Xavier Bou, Alireza Memariani, Ben Lalande, Maria Di Stefano & Opale Studio, Omar Lucas, Lotte van Raalte.
- PANORAMA OF LATIN AMERICA
The exhibition showcases the multicultural voices of Latin America and its diaspora, offering a glimpse into the region through the perspectives of 41 talented artists selected through the Open Call launched for the 25th anniversary of Vogue Mexico & Latin America.
Artists in the exhibition: Alessandro Bo, Allan Salas, Ana Margarita Flores, Ángela Ponce, Christopher Pérez, Cristopher Rogel Blanquet, Diego Bendezu, Diego Moreno, Diego Vourakis, Dolores Medel, Enrique Leyva, Fabiola Ferrero, Federico Estol, Félix Márquez, Fernanda Pineda, Gabriel Gómez, Gastón Zilberman, Gleeson Paulino, Gui Christ, Irina Werning, Javier Álvarez, Johanna Alarcón, Juan Brenner, Karla Read, Marcelo Pérez del Carpio, Marisol Méndez, Mauricio Holc, Pedro Silveira, Rafael Paiva, Salvador Saavedra, Sara Aliaga, Sara Meneses Cuapio, Sebastián Gil Miranda, Sebastián Lopez Brach, Sergio Pontier, Silvana Trevale, Thais Vandanezi, Viridiana, Xavier Revuelta, Laura Gauch, Pablo Mejía.
- THE TREE OF CHANGE
PhotoVogue Festival presents a series of images, presentations, videos and rare contributions from international organizations committed to environmental protection. The exhibition is divided into twelve sections, each with its own themes and media used.
- IN VOGUE WITH NATURE
The digital exhibition highlights iconic Vogue covers from editions around the world that reflect on the relationship between fashion and nature.
- SEEDS OF KNOWLEDGE – A Library of Knowledge
A curated selection of international books and specialized magazines that offer insights and unexpected points of view on the theme of the festival.
MEETING PROGRAM
PhotoVogue Festival brings together a large global community of artists, thought leaders and organizations to explore its central theme The Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature, together with the constant values at the basis of PhotoVogue.
Among the key elements of the programme of the Ninth edition of the Festival, directed by Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global Photo Vogue, there is the The Story Behind the Image, where each artist involved presents their work in short six-minute segments, sharing personal narratives and insights into their creative process. Each session is organized into thematic categories and followed by moderated discussions.
Thursday 6 March
14.00 – 15.00 | Opening speech
edited by Alessia Glaviano
15.00 – 17.00 | Our planet, our responsibility: Environment, climate change and social issues
Our Planet, Our Responsibility: Environment, Climate Change & Social Issues
Conversation between photographers:
Salvador Saavedra, Christopher Rogel Blanquet, Ali Marin, Charlie Cordero, Khashayar Javanmardi, Oded Wagenstein, Maria di Stefano, Andrea Alessi, Irene Ottaviani, Javier Alvarez
Moderated by: Afsaneh Angelina Rafii
Moderated by Afsaneh Angelina Rafii, founder and director of Icarus Complex Magazine + Media, this panel addresses the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental justice. Rafii, whose work combines compelling narratives with images that highlight the climate crisis, brings his expertise in sustainability and climate communication to lead a crucial conversation around the world.
17.00 – 19.00 | Latin American Panorama: Through the Lens of Fashion
Latin America Panorama: Through the Lens of Fashion
Conversation between photographers:
Rafael Paiva, Viridiana, Patricia Reyes, Thais Vandanezi, Karla Read, Andres Altamirano, Gabriel Gomez, Diego Bendezu
Moderated by: Constanza CavalliEtro
Moderated by Constanza Cavalli Etro, founder and director of the Fashion Film Festival Milan since 2014 and of Latin American Fashion Awards, this panel examines the intersection of fashion and identity in the vibrant cultural context of Latin America. This conversation highlights how fashion photography is a medium for storytelling and a catalyst for cultural connection and change.
19.00 – 19.20 | Introduction to the Prix Pictet
Alessia Glaviano in conversation with Isabelle von Ribbentrop, Executive Director of the Prix Pictet
In view of the keynote by Richard Mosse, the PhotoVogue Festival will host a conversation between Alessia Glaviano and Isabelle von Ribbentrop, executive director of the Prix Pictet, which will offer a deeper look at the world’s leading photography and sustainability award.
Founded in 2008 by Pictet Group, Prix Pictet aims to use the power of photography, in all genres, to draw global attention to the crucial issues of sustainability and the environment.
Winners include Benoit Aquin, Nadav Kander, Mitch Epstein, Luc Delahaye, Michael Schmidt, Valérie Belin, Richard Mosse, Joana Choumali, Sally Mann and Gauri Gill. Each cycle of the Prix Pictet It also translates into a book, ensuring that the selected works reach an ever-wider audience and deepen the debate on sustainability through the lens of photography.
19.20 – 20.20 | “The Burning World” Lectio Magistralis by Richard Mosse
Presented by Prix Pictet, master lecture
A close look at resource extraction and ecological warfare through the military and industrial ways of seeing in Richard Mosse's photographic practice (Ireland, 1980). In this lecture, Mosse understands light as a form of heat and uses both (light and heat) to unravel the complex geopolitical movements that cause dramatic changes in weather patterns and global warming: from rare earth mining to illegal coal production in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, from the migratory waves that cross the Middle East and North Africa, untilecocide wanted by man in Amazon rainforest.
Following the meeting, Richard Mosse will hold a film copies in collaboration with Micamera.
Friday 7 March
14.00 – 16.30 | Beyond Borders: Diaspora and Representation
Beyond Borders: Diaspora & Representation
Conversation between photographers:
Laura Gauch, Sergio Pontier, Diego Vourakis, Villerx Perez, Ayomide Tejuoso, Fidelio Faustino, Koral Carballo, Ramona Wang, Carolina Arantes, Chris Perez, Félix Márquez
Moderated by: Jordan Anderson
Moderated by Jordan Anderson, a Jamaican-born creative director and journalist with a deep background in investigating cultural identity and ethics, this panel delves into the rich narratives of diaspora and its representation. The discussion explores the layered complexities of migration, identity, and cultural belonging.
Saturday March 8
14.00 – 14.30 | Biodiversity: Through the Lens / Biodiversity: Through the Lens
Conversation with John Steele
The ocean is the birthplace of life on Earth, covering more than 70 percent of our planet and supporting an extraordinary array of biodiversity, from microscopic plankton to the largest whales. But its influence extends far beyond the water's edge, shaping the health of ecosystems as far away as the Amazon rainforest and the African savannah.
In this conversation, John Steele, editor and founder of the science journal Nautilus, will explore how photography is a powerful tool for documenting and preserving the intricate web of life that connects land and sea. Drawing on Biodiversity: Through the Lens, an exhibition created in collaboration with UNESCO, Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, Discover Earth and Nautilus, Steele will discuss how nature photographers capture the breathtaking beauty and fragile complexity of our planet’s ecosystems, offering rare glimpses into the vibrant worlds beneath the ocean’s surface and beyond.
14.30 – 15.00 | Elementary Joys of Kinship
With John Hausdoerffer and Gavin Van Horn
Two visionary thinkers, John Hausdoerffer, an environmental philosopher and professor at Western Colorado University, and Gavin Van Horn, executive editor of Humans and Nature Press, explore how art and storytelling can inspire a joyful embrace of interconnectedness in a more-than-human world.
Their exploration of biocentric ecology, the subjectivity of nonhumans, and the recognition of nonhuman persons has inspired the focus and title of this year’s festival, which celebrates the interconnectedness of all living things. Amid the challenges of our time—raging fires, devastating floods, prolonged droughts, and extreme temperatures—this panel delves into alternative perspectives that inform and deepen our understanding of our kinship with the natural world.
15.00 – 15.30 | Wild Hope
With Ami Vitale
In Wild Hope, renowned photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale shares personal stories documenting the harsh realities of war and capturing inspiring visions of resilience and innovation. Vitale’s work highlights the fragile balance between humanity and wildlife, underscoring the urgent need for environmental conservation. Through her lens, the filmmaker connects audiences with critical local conservation issues that have global significance, illustrating our profound interconnectedness with one another and the natural world.
15.30 – 15.50 | The Beautiful Truth
With The beautiful truth, before the round table, a short video inspired by the book will be screened beastly by Keggie Carew. The film examines the evolution of the kinship between humans and animals, exploring its significance across history, culture, and science, and making a compelling case for animals as key to the health of the planet.
15.50 – 18.00 | Animal Kinship: Love and Connection, Activism and Sanctuaries
Collective conversation with photographers: Claire Rosen, Xavi Bou, Lucrezia Testa Iannilli, Benedetta Casagrande, Ramona Wang, Vikram Kushwah, Mauro Curti, Juan Francisco Sanchez
Moderated by Nina Van Brunt
Led by the expertise of Nina Van Brunt, activist and founder of Mission Studio, the discussion will explore how photography can serve as a powerful tool for activism, fostering empathy and advocating for animal rights. Speakers will share their experiences documenting animal sanctuaries, capturing the bonds between species, and challenging social norms surrounding the treatment of animals. Together, they will illuminate the transformative role of visual storytelling in fostering compassion and driving social change.
Sunday March 9
11.30-13.30 | Fashion for Change: Raising Awareness Through Creativity
Group conversation with Delali Ayivi, Silvana Trevale, Bettina Pittaluga, Ana Margarita Flores, Eliya Blue Kizozo, Tara LC Sood
Moderated by Alessia Glaviano
Moderated by Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global PhotoVogue and Director of PhotoVogue Festival, this panel explores how fashion can serve as a powerful vehicle for raising awareness and inspiring social change. A leading figure in the international photography community, Glaviano has long championed the use of visual storytelling to address pressing global issues. The ensuing discussion will delve into how the artists involved are using fashion photography as a tool to challenge norms, shine a light on underrepresented communities, and spark conversations on issues ranging from sustainability to inclusivity.
14.15-14.45 | Weaving Craft, Culture, and Climate: On Fashion for Environmental & Social Justice
With Aditi Mayer
The founder of The Artisan Archive explores fashion as a culture, where tradition, craft, personal stories and climate issues meet. Storyteller and sustainability activist Aditi Mayer, a Los Angeles-based journalist, explores how fashion can be a vehicle for social and environmental justice, examining the intersections of craft, climate and culture through personal stories and historical frameworks.
14.45-16.45 | Shared Perspectives: The Female and Male Gaze on Women
Collective conversation 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
Moderated by Bruno Ceschel, founder of Self Publish, Be Happy, and a leading figure in photography and publishing, this panel examines the nuances of women’s representation through the female and male gaze. The ensuing discussion will explore how gender influences the creation and perception of visual narratives about women. By comparing the perspectives of male and female artists, the panel will seek to uncover common themes, divergences, and how these perspectives shape narratives of femininity, strength, and identity.
17.00-18.10 | The Art of Recycling
Group conversation with artists David Yayra Agbofah (The Revival), Rafael Kouto, Ruby Okoro and Peter D. Abayomi (Eran Jije Project), Delali Cofie
Moderated by Willow Defebaugh
Moderated by Willow Defebaugh, Editor-in-Chief of Atmos magazine and a passionate advocate for environmental storytelling, this panel brings together artists who transform discarded materials into compelling art, exploring themes of sustainability, cultural heritage, and creative expression. Their work ranges from recycled high fashion that fuses African and Western influences to collaborative explorations of zero-waste design with plant-based materials. By reimagining what is discarded, the photographers not only reduce waste, but infuse their creations with cultural narratives and innovative design solutions. This discussion highlights how reuse and recycling can inspire profound creative expression and serve as powerful tools for environmental activism.
18.15-18.45 | Reconnecting People + Planet
With Alice Aedy
In this talk, Alice Aedy, a British photojournalist and activist, shares the journey of Earthrise, the international climate change studies platform, as a climate impact study dedicated to reconnecting people and the planet. With expertise in climate advocacy, multimedia storytelling and community building, Earthrise turns facts into feelings and feelings into action. The talk will explore how fostering a deeper connection with ourselves, each other and our planet can drive meaningful action, inspiring a sense of interconnectedness and empowering us all to shape our collective future.
18.50-19.50 | The Transformative Power of Vision
With Willow Defebaugh and Elizaveta Porodina
Presented by Atmos Magazine
Photographer Elizaveta Porodina and Atmos Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief Willow Defebaugh explore the intersection of art, emotion, and the environment, examining how images can transcend reality and evoke profound shifts in consciousness. Porodina’s dreamlike aesthetic, deeply rooted in surrealism and emotion, offers a glimpse into alternate realms where beauty, identity, and nature intertwine. The discussion will touch on artistic intuition, photography’s role in shaping environmental consciousness, and how visual storytelling can become a tool for transformation in an age of climate crisis.
PhotoVogue Festival is a project directed by Alessia Glaviano (Head of Global PhotoVogue) and co-edited by Catherine De Biasio (Visual Editor, PhotoVogue) and from Daniel Rodriguez Gordillo (Senior Manager, Education & Community Initiatives, Condé Nast).
BASE Milan is a hybrid cultural center serving the city, born from the regeneration of the former Ansaldo industrial spaces in the Tortona area. It is a creative hub with an international atmosphere, which boasts a community that produces social innovation and cultural contamination between art, business, welfare and education.
