The Hand Magazine Issue #48

Ex pe ri menta l P h t o Fest va l i

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The Experimental Photo Festival brings together over 300 international artists and photography enthusiasts each year to share, learn, and discuss experimental photography. Supported by the Institut d'Estudis Fotogràfics de Catalunya and the Centre Cívic Pati Llimona, the festival features activities like project presentations, workshops, roundtables, and both collective and solo exhibitions. The event explores all aspects of experimental photography, from camera and film creation to printing, interventions, and photobooks. EPF directors Laura Ligari and Pablo Giori tell us more about the festival. Also included are six artists whose work will be featured in this year’s festival.

Hi guys! Can you start by introducing yourselves and tell us a bit about your background as artists and your role with the Experimental Photo Festival?

Laura Ligari: Hi! I’m Laura. I am a graphic designer and photographer. I’d say I’m 95% self-taught in photography.

I’ve been experimenting with disposable cameras since 1998, and they’ve become a big part of my artistic identity. My goal as an artist and a co-director of the festival is to foster empathy, inclusivity, and to introduce emerging talents to the community. When I’m not working on design, editorial projects, or handling the back office for the festival, I’m probably eating pizza or avoiding Facebook altogether! (laughs) Pablo Giori: And I’m Pablo! My background is more academic, but I’ve always balanced it with hands-on creative work. I have a PhD in Contemporary History, plus master’s degrees in Communication and Cultural Studies, and I’ve been fascinated by how we can use these disciplines to reimagine the future of photography.

At the festival, I’m in charge of programming, budgeting, and securing subsidies.

For me, the Experimental Photo Festival is all about inspiring transformative change through teaching and cultural management, and creating a platform where people can explore new ways of thinking about photography.

Laura: Together, as co-directors, we’re focused on creating a space that champions experimental photography as an attitude and a practice. It’s not just about the results; it’s about testing, experiencing, and breaking boundaries in the medium.

Pablo: Exactly. The festival isn’t just an event, it’s a community. Our goal is to bring together artists from all over the world to share, collaborate, and rethink what’s possible in photography. It’s such an exciting project to be a part of.

Images this page: @grisphoto

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ludovicabastianini.tumblr.com

From the series, The Cruelty of Grace, mixed media

severinechauveau.com

From the series, Deliquescence, found photographs, clay, liquid emulsion, embroidery, mixed media

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