Ray Banhoff's 'Fie' project resurfaces, igniting debate on consent in photography
The Instagram account æsteticasovietica has revived controversy around photographer Ray Banhoff (Gianluca Gliori) and his 2015 series 'Fie', consisting of 3,000 candid shots of women in Milan, some intimate, taken without their knowledge. Banhoff described the project as a 'goliardic experiment' shared via WhatsApp with friends, claiming it was misunderstood as sexist. Critics argue the work violates consent culture, objectifies women, and constitutes a confession of wrongdoing, as sharing images in private chats and publishing them in an artist's book raises legal and ethical issues. The article contrasts Banhoff's approach with Vito Acconci's 'Following Piece' (1969) and 'Seedbed' (1972), where discomfort and awareness of transgression were integral to the art. The author concludes that art does not justify abuse, and Banhoff's defense of 'respect for women' is insufficient without acknowledging the gravity of his actions.
Key facts
- Ray Banhoff (Gianluca Gliori) created the series 'Fie' in 2015.
- The series comprises 3,000 candid photographs of women in Milan.
- Images were shared via WhatsApp and later published in an artist's book.
- The controversy was revived by Instagram account æsteticasovietica on June 21, 2026.
- Banhoff described the project as a 'goliardic experiment' and claimed he respects women.
- Critics highlight the lack of consent and the objectification of women.
- The article compares Banhoff's work to Vito Acconci's 'Following Piece' (1969) and 'Seedbed' (1972).
- The author argues that art does not justify abuse and calls for accountability.
Entities
Artists
- Ray Banhoff
- Gianluca Gliori
- Vito Acconci
Institutions
- Sonnabend Gallery
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- New York
- United States