The MIA Photo Fair 2025 took place from March 20 to 23 at Superstudio Più in Milan, bringing together 77 galleries (56 Italian and 21 international) and 37 exhibitors from publishing, institutions, and special projects. As one of Milan’s most prestigious photography events, this 14th edition focused on the theme “Dialogues”, showcasing the intersection of contemporary photography, digital innovation, and cultural exchange.

Visitors explored a diverse selection of photographic works, from legendary photographers like Nobuyoshi Araki and Eve Arnold to rising talents pushing artistic boundaries. The event featured groundbreaking trends, thought-provoking exhibitions, and inspiring discussions that reinforced MIA Photo Fair’s status as a must-visit event for photography lovers.

This article delves into the key moments, featured artists, and standout exhibitions that made MIA Photo Fair 2025 an unforgettable experience.

ARTISTS HIGHLIGHTS

Nobuyoshi Araki

Nobuyoshi Araki is a prolific and controversial Japanese photographer known for his provocative and deeply personal works. Notably, his photography explores themes of eroticism, love, life, and death, often blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with raw, intimate imagery. Furthermore, his body of work includes documentary-style street photography, still lifes, and his signature Kinbaku (Japanese bondage) portraits. As a result, Araki’s bold approach and unfiltered exploration of human emotion and sexuality have made him one of Japan’s most influential contemporary photographers.

Eve Arnold

Eve Arnold (1912–2012) was an American photojournalist known for her intimate and humanistic portraits. In fact, she was one of the first female members of Magnum Photos. Furthermore, she captured iconic images of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Malcolm X, and Joan Crawford. However, she was equally drawn to documenting everyday life and social issues worldwide. Her work ranged from Hollywood glamour to the struggles of migrant workers and women’s lives in China. Ultimately, Arnold’s photography stood out for its empathy, storytelling, and ability to reveal the personality behind the subject.

August Sander

August Sander (1876–1964) was a German photographer best known for his ambitious project People of the 20th Century, a vast series of portraits documenting German society across different social classes and professions. Importantly, his work, characterized by a straightforward and objective style, captured farmers, artists, intellectuals, and workers with striking clarity and depth. Unfortunately, Sander’s photography was censored by the Nazi regime due to its unidealized portrayal of society. Nevertheless, his legacy remains strong, and he is regarded as one of the most important portrait photographers of the 20th century.

Peter Beard

Peter Beard (1938–2020) was an American photographer, artist, and diarist known for his stunning wildlife photography and mixed-media collages. Notably, he documented Africa’s landscapes, people, and vanishing wildlife, particularly in Kenya, blending photography with handwritten notes, drawings, and found objects. Moreover, Beard’s work often highlighted conservation issues, especially the decline of elephant populations. Beyond his art, Beard was well known for his glamorous lifestyle and friendships with figures like Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and Mick Jagger. In addition, his relationships with supermodels added to his mystique. Tragically, he was found dead in 2020 after going missing, further cementing his legendary status in artistic and fashion circles.

Lee Friedlander

Lee Friedlander (born 1934) is an American photographer known for his innovative and often complex compositions that capture the everyday world in unexpected ways. Specifically, his work blends documentary and street photography, characterized by reflections, shadows, urban landscapes, and layered imagery that challenge traditional perspectives. During the 1960s, Friedlander gained prominence and was featured in the influential New Documents exhibition at MoMA in 1967. His photographs often include billboards, television screens, and car windows, creating a sense of visual depth and irony. Ultimately, his self-portraits, landscapes, and studies of the American social landscape have cemented his reputation as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Why These Photographers Matter ?

MIA Photo Fair 2025 underscored the diverse impact of photography, from documentary storytelling and street photography to fine art experimentation and social commentary. Whether exploring eroticism, celebrity culture, historical documentation, or urban life, these artists have shaped and redefined contemporary photography for generations to come.

Furthermore, the gallery Deodato Arte presented works by renowned photographers such as David LaChapelle, Marco Glaviano, and Helmut Newton, adding to the fair’s diverse and prestigious lineup.

SPOTLIGHT ON EMERGING TALENTS

Let’s take a closer look at some of the “niche” photographers featured at MIA Photo Fair 2025, showcasing both emerging and established talents with groundbreaking works in contemporary photography. These photographers are known for their innovative artistic expressions and mastery of diverse photographic techniques.

Alexandra DeFurio

Alexandra DeFurio, also known for her work under the moniker Cyanotype, is a distinguished contemporary art curator and art consultant with a specialized focus on photography. Renowned for her unique curatorial approach, she excels in bringing together a wide range of artistic voices, highlighting both emerging and established photographers. DeFurio’s significant contributions to prestigious art events and fairs, including the MIA Photo Fair 2025 in Milan, have shaped the vision and programming of such events. She is particularly noted for her ability to discover and promote new talent, all while enhancing the understanding of photography within the contemporary art scene. Her curatorial projects often explore themes of identity, technology, and the evolving relationship between individuals and society. By delving into these complex subjects, DeFurio continues to solidify her position as an influential figure in contemporary art curation.

Zoe Wiseman

Zoe Wiseman, a renowned American photographer, curator, and art director, is celebrated for her innovative work in fine art photography. She specializes in portraiture, fashion, and the human form. For the MIA Photo Fair 2025, Wiseman will present work from her book Sunkissed 85, which explores the unique technique of Polaroid Type 85 solarization. This technique, once famously criticized by Man Ray as “Crimes against photography,” is embraced by Zoe. She quips, “Then I am guilty.” The pieces in Sunkissed 85 draw inspiration from the modern architecture of Zoe’s home—designed by Finn and Ray Kappe—as well as her garden. Additionally, they reflect the stark, surreal landscapes of the American West. Her ability to create striking, evocative imagery through solarization continues to push the boundaries of traditional photography.

Beyond her photographic work, Wiseman is the founder of The Nude magazine, a platform showcasing fine art photography of the human body. Through this space, she has created a context for artists to explore themes of beauty, sexuality, and identity within the nude figure. Zoe Wiseman’s curatorial contributions have significantly impacted the fine art community. She brings attention to photographers who challenge conventions and explore new artistic concepts. Thanks to her multifaceted work, she has played a pivotal role in elevating nude and figure photography within the fine art world.

Pelle Cass

Born in 1954, Brooklyn, NY, Pelle Cass is a distinguished photographer whose work is held in prominent collections, including the Fogg Art Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the MFA Houston. His images have been featured in notable publications such as Beaux Arts, McSweeney’s, GQ, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and many others. Cass has also received prestigious fellowships from Yaddo, the Polaroid Collection, and the Artist’s Resource Trust. Cass’s monograph, Pelle Cass (Just an Idea), was published to critical acclaim, and he has contributed to several books, showcasing his distinctive approach to photography. In 2024, he exhibited his work at the SFMoMA and Praise Shadows Art Gallery in Brookline, MA, further solidifying his place in the contemporary art scene and now at MIA Photo Fair 2025.

One of Cass’s most notable works is the Crowded Fields series, where he reinvents the concept of time through photography. By blending thousands of overlapping shots, Cass creates static time-lapse images that capture the essence of sporting events. The final compositions form a dynamic visual dialogue between order and chaos, individuality and collectivity, as each figure finds its own space within the frame. Cass’s innovative approach to capturing movement and moments in time continues to captivate audiences and contribute to his standing as a leading figure in contemporary photography.

EVENTS AND THEMES

The MIA Photo Fair 2025 featured an impressive array of works, including sculptures and “craft” pieces that complemented the photography exhibitions. The fair’s thematic focus ranged from social commentary to dreamlike imagery, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions.

Portofino Residencies 2021-2024 Exhibition: A standout exhibition at the fair was the Portofino Residencies 2021-2024, which featured the works of Alejandro Chaskielberg, Piergiorgio Sorgetti, Martina Giammaria, and Carolina Pimenta. This collection explored themes of collective memory, social commentary, and surreal landscapes, offering a compelling narrative that resonated with visitors.

Focus on Female Artists: The fair’s main section placed a special emphasis on group exhibitions by female artists, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the complex balance between strength and vulnerability. This focus highlighted the diverse narratives and perspectives of women in contemporary photography, providing a powerful platform for their voices to be heard.

International Participation: With 77 galleries representing 56 Italian and 21 international exhibitors, the MIA Photo Fair offered a global perspective on photographic art. The event showcased both historical and contemporary works, spanning a variety of styles and techniques that enriched the experience for attendees.

Integration of Traditional and Modern Techniques: The fair also emphasized the intersection of traditional and modern photographic techniques, incorporating the use of artificial intelligence to explore new creative possibilities. This blend highlighted the dynamic evolution of photography, honoring its legacy while embracing cutting-edge innovations.

Overall, MIA Photo Fair 2025 successfully curated a thought-provoking exhibition that celebrated the diversity and ongoing evolution of photographic art. The fair fostered meaningful dialogues among artists, collectors, and photography enthusiasts, reflecting the rich, ever-changing landscape of the medium.