Charles Fréger's Anthropological Photography at Armani/Silos, Milan

Armani/Silos in Milan hosts a major exhibition of Charles Fréger's work, spanning over fifteen years of anthropological research focused on human traditions and folklore. The show opens with his 2000 series on water polo players, a sequential and taxonomic work. Fréger, founder of Piece of Cake and POC publishing house, explores portraiture through photography and painting. His subjects are often young people, with emphasis on their clothing—costumes, disguises, and uniforms. Notable series include Légionnaires (military), Empire (31 regiments across 16 European countries), Wilder Mann (men dressed as animals), and Opera (dancers from the Beijing Opera). The late Didier Mouchel, who worked on Fréger's projects, described the academic protocol as deliberate, questioning the portrait of opulence while restoring subjects' identity and dignity. The exhibition contrasts colorful works with the sober venue. Fréger's front-facing images downplay facial expression, highlighting group identity through attire and headgear.