From October 11 to November 23 2025, Eye2Eye — the most extensive solo exhibition ever presented by Andrea Francolini — arrives in Italy for the first time. Featuring over 80 photographs taken over the past ten years, this evocative collection forms a powerful visual triptych centered on portraiture. It transcends cultural and aesthetic boundaries to explore the core of human connection through the gaze. The exhibition is part of the rich program of photography exhibitions in Venice 2025, offering visitors an original perspective on contemporary photography.

Born in Milan in 1971 and currently based in Sydney, Australia, Andrea Francolini is a photographer with more than 25 years of experience. He is known for his powerful portraits and dynamic nautical photography, in which he combines technical expertise and sensitivity. His images have appeared on more than two hundred magazine covers, confirming his artistic and professional excellence. In 2011, he founded My First School, a non-profit organization aimed at improving educational conditions in northern Pakistan.

Andrea Francolini. Eye2Eye is an exploration of vulnerability, dignity, and the quiet strength of humanity. Each photograph is a tribute to discovery — an invitation to meet the gaze of the other and, through it, to reflect on ourselves. Within the landscape of Venice photography exhibitions, this show stands out for its emotional depth and human intensity.

As curator Denis Curti observes: “By lifting the veil of appearance, the artist invites us on a journey without borders, where the act of photographing goes beyond simply representing reality. It becomes a sensory breath that celebrates the human landscape in all its forms. Francolini’s images do not seek narrative uniformity, but rather resonate like echoes of distant worlds, revealing the deepest sense of being.”

The exhibition is structured in three thematic sections: Eyedentify, dedicated to Sydney’s transgender community; Truck Art, which tells the story of Pakistan’s vibrant tradition of decorating trucks with drawings, poetry, and colorful symbols believed to bring good fortune; and My First School, focused on the children supported by the non-profit founded by Francolini.

Despite the diversity of themes, all the works highlight the artist’s ability to empathize with the people he photographs. His insistence on direct eye contact results in authentic and intense portraits, born from sincere dialogue that challenges prejudice and promotes empathy.