Fabio Sgroi emerges as one of the most significant figures in the mid-1980s reportage photography scene. His distinctive use of black and white photography encapsulates the visual essence of the city, with its dynamic urban landscape, diverse communities, and rich cultural tapestry.
Sgroi's photographs serve as a visual exploration of Marseille, capturing its bustling streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and the unique interplay of light and shadow that defines the city. Through his lens, we witness the convergence of cultures, the rhythm of daily life, and the timeless beauty of Marseille's iconic landmarks.
The stark contrasts of light and shadow in Sgroi's work evoke a sense of depth and dimension, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the fabric of Marseille's urban landscape. His compositions are characterized by a sense of precision and clarity, capturing the essence of Marseille's architectural marvels, from its ancient port to its modern skyscrapers.
Within the structured lines and contours of Marseille's urban sprawl lies a sense of material porosity—a delicate interplay of textures, surfaces, and atmospheres. Sgroi's photographs reveal the city's hidden corners, its untold stories, and the intricate web of connections that bind its inhabitants together.
Through his art, Sgroi invites us to experience Marseille in all its complexity—to walk its streets, to meet its people, and to discover the hidden beauty that lies beneath the surface. His photographs become a visual narrative, a testament to the resilience and spirit of Marseille, and a celebration of the city's timeless allure.
In essence, Sgroi's photography transcends mere documentation; it becomes a means of storytelling, a visual journey that invites us to explore the heart and soul of Marseille. Through his lens, Marseille comes alive, revealing itself as a vibrant mosaic of cultures, histories, and dreams.
Fabio Sgroi Biography
Fabio Sgroi, born in Palermo. He approached photography in 1984, taking photographs of his friends, young people close to punk and underground music; in 1986 he worked for about two years with the newspaper "L’Ora" of Palermo. Fabio has been focusing his research mainly on his island Sicily but also in different Mediterranean countries, Eastern Europe and around the Balkans. In 2000 Sgroi starts to photograph with the panoramic format exploring urban landscape in many different cities in Europe focus on archeological and industrial sites. He took part of international projects and residence. His work has been exhibited in collective and solo exhibitions in Italy, Europe and America such: "Fondazione Merz" 2023, Torino (I); Museo Riso "Albergo dei poveri" 2023, Palermo (I); Kolga Tblisi Festival 2020 Georgia (GE); "Galerie 4" 2012 Cheb (Rep.Ceca); ARTGET Gallery 2004, Ethnographic Museum 2004, Belgrado (SRB); Leica gallery 2004, Sölms (D); Center Mediterraneeen de la Photographie 2001, Bastia (F); Saba gallery 1998, New York (USA); Diaframma-Kodak 1996, Milano (I) and showed in several photography festivals such: Festival Vizualizator 2019, Belgrado (SRB); Rencontres d’Arles, Arles 2015, (F); Italy Pavilion / 54, Venice Biennale Italian Cultural Institutes in the world Biennale 2011 Venezia (I); "Visa pour L’Image" 2004, Perpignan (F); Moscow 2002, Russia (RU); Biennale Photographique 2001, Bonifacio (F).
End 2017 published "Past Euphoria Post Europa"
with Crowdbooks; in 2018 "Palermo 84-86"
Early works with Yardpress; in 2021 "PA 90"
with Union Editions; in 2022 "Archivio Volume
Uno" with Baco About Photographs; 2022
"Chronicles of the Newspaper L’Ora" Palermo
1985–1988 with Union Editions; in 2023
"Palermo Mon Amour" with Fondazione Merz.