Luce Lebart on curating, archives, and the mission of Fotografia Europea

The photography festival Fotografia Europea, taking place in Reggio Emilia from April 28 to June 11, explores the intricacies of Europe, focusing on national identity, democratic communities, and minorities. The festival's artistic directors, Luce Lebart, Walter Guadagnini, and Tim Clark, prioritize storytelling for both experts and the general public. Photography historian and author Lebart stresses that curating involves sharing research and highlighting overlooked stories, particularly those of women and marginalized regions. She differentiates festivals from museums by emphasizing their role as dynamic events that foster inclusivity. Lebart's initiatives often start with extensive image collections, promoting a critical approach to visual content. She observes a growing fascination with archives for artistic reinterpretation, aided by digital tools that allow new perspectives on photographic history and personal narratives.