PhEST 2026 in Monopoli Explores 'What If?' with Photography and Art
The 11th edition of the PhEST – International Festival of Photography and Art is set to take place in Monopoli, Italy, from August 7 to November 1, 2026, themed 'What If?'. Established by Giovanni Troilo, the festival will showcase the work of photography curator Arianna Rinaldo and contemporary art curator Roberto Lacarbonara. Organized by the cultural association PhEST alongside various partners, the festival's theme explores issues like the climate crisis, AI, conflicts, and democratic changes. Notable exhibits include 'Metropolis' featuring rare images from Fritz Lang's film, Juno Calypso's nuclear bunker project, and Victorine Alisse's documentation of Palestinian resistance. Puglia's president, Antonio Decaro, commended the festival for enhancing innovation and connecting with heritage.
Key facts
- PhEST 2026 runs from August 7 to November 1, 2026, in Monopoli, Italy.
- The festival's theme is 'What If?'.
- Giovanni Troilo is the artistic director.
- Arianna Rinaldo curates photography, Roberto Lacarbonara curates contemporary art, and Cinzia Negherbon is organizational director.
- The festival is produced by the cultural association PhEST with support from Regione Puglia, A.Re.T. Pugliapromozione, Comune di Monopoli, University of Bari Aldo Moro, and Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mare Adriatico Meridionale.
- Exhibitions include 'Metropolis' with Horst von Harbou's set photos from Fritz Lang's film.
- Vivian Maier's centenary is marked with 'Shadows and Mirrors'.
- The festival uses historical venues across Monopoli.
- Antonio Decaro, president of Regione Puglia, commented on the festival's significance.
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni Troilo
- Arianna Rinaldo
- Roberto Lacarbonara
- Cinzia Negherbon
- Horst von Harbou
- Fritz Lang
- Juno Calypso
- Sara Angelucci
- Chloé Azzopardi
- Sergii Melnitchenko
- Victorine Alisse
- Marek Kita
- Harri Pälviranta
- Chinky Shukla
- Vivian Maier
- Joan Fontcuberta
- Antonio Decaro
Institutions
- PhEST
- Regione Puglia
- A.Re.T. Pugliapromozione
- Comune di Monopoli
- Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro
- Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mare Adriatico Meridionale
- Artribune
Locations
- Monopoli
- Italy
- Puglia
- Torre Guaceto
- Wadi Fukin
- Rajasthan
- New York
- Bari