Angelo Leonardo's 'Le Monde ou Rien' Captures Milan's Suburbs Beyond Stereotypes

Photographer Angelo Leonardo's project 'Le Monde ou Rien', launched in 2019, documents the authentic life of Milan's peripheral neighborhoods—Barona, Corvetto, San Siro, and Cinisello Balsamo—through images and video. The work, featured exclusively on Artribune, counters media stereotypes by highlighting fragility, aspirations, and unexpected creativity, such as that of Diego Guarino, an 11-year-old self-taught painter from public housing. Leonardo critiques the fashion industry's appropriation of suburban aesthetics, exemplified by Demna Gvasalia's Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2025 collection, which drew on the 'rodman' (maranza) style. In an interview, Leonardo distinguishes his documentary approach from exploitative 'poverty porn', emphasizing respect for his subjects. The video component reveals behind-the-scenes human connections, including visits to Guarino's home in Cerkovo, near Quarto Oggiaro, where his mother Annamaria and Enzo welcomed the crew. Curated by Alessia Caliendo, the project includes music by DJ Douglas and video by Emanuele Gelli. Leonardo argues that suburbs are the most authentic and revolutionary parts of a metropolis, though their residents face systemic disadvantages. The title 'Le Monde ou Rien' (The World or Nothing) reflects both a choice and a lack of alternatives.