Luca Locatelli: The CIRCLE

The importance of circularity in the shots of the renowned contemporary photographer

The CIRCLE addresses some of the most pressing issues of our time, such as the circular economy and ecological transition, through compelling images by Locatelli. His research is aimed at documenting solutions that will help the planet and humanity to survive.

In recent years, his work has won international prizes, including the World Press Photo Award in the Environment category, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, and the World Photography Organisation Award.

Between 2021 and 2023, under commission from Gallerie d'Italia, Locatelli undertook a journey through Europe, translating into extraordinary images some of its most successful circular economy projects. Their merit lies in pursuing a sustainable economic model which, through technological support and innovation, manages to combine production activity with respect for the environment, natural resources, and social progress in a harmonious, balanced way.

The artist conducted his research in locations as diverse as Italy, Iceland, Norway, Romania, Germany, Switzerland, and Galicia. His work encompassed projects such as the floating photovoltaics on Lac des Toules, textile recycling in Prato, and the coal mine in Saxony-Anhalt that has been transformed into a cultural centre.

The result is a documentary photography project of international reach that this volume, which accompanies the Turin exhibition, documents. It is hoped that Locatelli's work will trigger emotions and reflections that will help effect the cultural transformation necessary for the birth of new and more sustainable development models.