Fine Art nominee

"Per Aspera ad Astra" is a visual exploration of the intricate process of mourning and reconciliation with loss. Inspired by the universal iconography of the Virgin Mary, this series delves into the stages of grief through symbolic representation. The first phase, "Mater Dolorosa," embodies the sorrow and deep anguish of a mother mourning her child. The imagery captures vulnerability and profound pain, inviting the viewer to experience the raw essence of grief in its most intimate form.

Each image whispers a story of resilience, symbolizing that through hardship, a new light can emerge. The Madonna, as the ultimate maternal figure, carries the weight of universal suffering but also the strength to rise beyond it, serving as a beacon of hope for those in despair. This project reflects our personal journey of navigating loss, channeling it through artistic expression, and ultimately finding a path to healing."

Francesco is a 26-year-old photographer from Naples, Italy, specializing in fine art and commercial photography. He graduated with top honors (110/110) from the ILAS Academy in 2022, earning a degree in Advertising Photography, and also holds a diploma as a Photography Technician through the Garanzia Giovani program. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Digital Cultures and Communication at the University of Naples Federico II.

Francesco's work blends photography with other art forms like cinema and music, resulting in visually striking and conceptually rich images. Inspired by the renowned photographer Lindsay Adler, his attention to detail and pursuit of perfection define his artistic approach. In 2020, he won the CUG UNINA photography contest, which further fueled his passion for the craft.

His photographs have been featured in Identity Style magazine and the Bulla in Mostra catalog, the latter of which he curated. Francesco is also actively involved as a Digital Civil Service Volunteer with the Antico Borgo Orefici Consortium, continuously honing his skills and pushing the boundaries of contemporary photography.