Capturing Connections: Copenhagen Photo Festival 15th Edition with the Theme "Entanglement"

As the Copenhagen Photo Festival prepares for it's fifteenth iteration, it does so with a flourish of lenses, a palette of perspectives, and a focus on the Entanglement that defines our world. From June 6th to 16th, the Danish capital will display images that delve into the complexities of our age, from climate crises to identity struggles.

Since we at Lomography also love refreshing perspectives, we’re introducing the four solo exhibition photographers!

Chloé Azzopardi – Non Technological Devices.

French artist Chloé Azzopardi invites us on a journey into a world bereft of natural resources, crafting homemade sci-fi sculptures from materials found in nature in her project Non Technological Devices.

The series reflects the artist’s concerns about human intervention in nature, overexploitation of the planet, and the lack of policies to protect nature and to control how we exploit things. To the artist technological progress can be interesting and positive. However, we have to be mindful of the ecological consequences of this progress. Non Technological Devices explores the intersection between imagination, technology, and climate crisis.

“I wanted to make something futuristic, something to speak about how we used to fantasise about a certain future, one that could not happen because of the lack of resources, for example. I grew up fantasising about flying cars and teleportation because I watched a lot of movies and I think a lot of us fantasise about it as well. But, if this can't happen, what can we build? What should be an updated and ecological version of this imaginary? Maybe we'll be like kids, playing with what remains of our fantasies.”

Marcus DeSieno – Geography of Disappearance

American artist Marcus DeSieno’s series, Geography of Disappearance, uses wet plate emulsion images to critically examine the US-Mexican border landscape and its oppressive impact on immigrants. By leveraging 19th-century wet plate technology and lith printing, DeSieno highlights the power structures embedded in the American landscape and history.

“The history of the United States, especially of the Western United States, is built upon this legacy of colonialism and white supremacy. This legacy is baked into our border policies. When I think back on the history of American landscape photography, it is a conversation about power, and for me, using the landscape is a way to continue this tradition of talking about these embedded power relationships, of talking about this legacy that's embedded in the border and always has been.”

Through Geography of Disappearance, DeSieno fosters a conversation about the dehumanization of immigrants, urging viewers to consider the ecological consequences of surveillance and oppression. His work is a powerful statement on the interconnectedness of technology, landscape, and human rights.

Mafalda Rakoš – All in this Together

Austrian artist Mafalda Rakoš’ series, All in this Together, is a nuanced exploration of the human condition during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rakoš delves into the experiences of four individuals navigating social isolation and addiction disorders during the first year of the pandemic. Using her background as an artist-anthropologist, she creates a collaborative process through drawing and portraiture, offering a therapeutic experience for the participants.

“I had this picture in my mind of a white space, very clean, with very high-resolution portraits made with a large format camera and how nice it would be to draw on top of this print. I wanted to expand the act of drawing to arrive at this final result and to curb the fear – especially when it comes to drawing in such a big photograph – I developed with the participants a slow but sure approach, similar to that of a workshop.”

All in this Together challenges the traditional hierarchy between photographer and subject, offering a more egalitarian approach. By involving the protagonists in creating their portraits, Rakoš adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the emotional aftermath of the pandemic and the transformative power of art and collaboration.

Emanuele Occhipinti – A Muntagna

In A Muntagna, Italian documentary photographer Emanuele Occhipinti explores the deep, emotional connections between Mount Etna and the locals who have lived on its slopes for centuries. Occhipinti captures the volcano’s dual nature—enriching the land with beauty and fertility, while also posing a constant threat with its eruptions.

"I envisioned the volcano as a silent protagonist, subtly influencing the story without dominating the visual narrative. The goal was to have it loom in the background, hinting at it, but not showing it directly. This was portrayed, for example, through a miniature replica of the mountain or in fireworks, or even in the pervasive presence of smoke and ash in some images. The volcano becomes an elusive force, leaving its mark on the story without explicitly revealing itself in every picture."

Returning to Sicily after years in bustling metropolises, Occhipinti immersed himself in the lives of those living near Etna. His project captures the complex relationship between the people and the volcano, highlighting their adoration and fear. The small details of everyday life, combined with historical anecdotes and Occhipinti's deep connection with the community, bring this entangled relationship to life.

In addition to these solo exhibitions, 11 selected artists contribute to a group exhibition that spans borders, time, and relationships. From Ukrainian Vic Bakin's poignant reflections on war, to Danish Christine Lorenzen's intimate explorations of youth identity, the diversity of perspectives on display is staggering. The Copenhagen Photo Festival reminds us of the power of photography to illuminate our shared humanity and the ties that bind us. In a time of uncertainty, it offers a beacon of hope, inviting us to contemplate our interconnectedness and envision a brighter future, one frame at a time. If you get the chance, definitely don’t hesitate to take a look and get entangled, and inspired.