Artphilein Photobook Contest 2024

The theme of the contest is Utopia: A Perfect Place Or No Place?

Overview

Every utopian vision shares the belief in a possible change, in a different future. However, the definition and understanding of utopia are inherently ambiguous and indefinite on multiple fronts, starting from its etymology – eu (good) + topos or ou (non) + topos – to connected meanings and concrete implementations: is it positive or negative? Is it a connotation of a desirable future or mere criticism of the present? Is it a projection of a fantastic vision or a dangerous totalitarian drift? Is it a better elsewhere or the worst solution?

Despite the repeated failures of past utopias – be they political, social or ideological – while fully aware of this uncertainty, we continue to be attracted by unreality and infeasibility, by technological, ecological and communal utopias, by the chimera of a perfect place or a non-existent one.

In a historical moment of crisis and conflict, the theme of utopia is alive and kicking, offering a variety of interpretations and approaches to the search for a better future. How does contemporary photography confront utopian visions and dimensions today?

Practical Info

The contest is open to artists and photographers with no restrictions based on age or nationality. Applicants may enter as individuals or groups. Any original photographic project is welcome, however, recently originated projects (not predating 2020) will be more easily considered.

Each participant may submit only one photobook project. Applicants must provide a written explanation in English of the photobook project (max 200 words), a title, 10-20 images and, if applicable, the texts to be featured in the photobook project.

The selected artists will be awarded a residency at the Organiser’s spaces in Lugano (the duration of which will be agreed upon with the winner), the production of the photobook to be published by Artphilein Editions, carried out in consultation with the Organiser (which will decide the print run of the publication), the assistance by the Organiser at every stage of production, editing and designing of the photobook, during the winner’s residence at the Artphilein Library, the 10% of the copies of the published photobook, and an exhibition at the Organiser’s spaces in Lugano/Paradiso.

The jury is composed of Ronald Pizzoferrato, Michela Becchis, Anne Nwakalor and Caterina De Pietri.

About Artphilein

De Pietri Artphilein Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to contemporary art and photography by collectors Gianfranco and Caterina De Pietri, founded in 2006 and based in Paradiso, Lugano. The foundation's aim is to promote contemporary photography through a publishing house and a library of photo-books, as well as exhibition spaces and a bookstore.