More necessary than the sun

• Prize
  Curator Selection
• Photographer
  Matteo Trevisan, Italy
• Category
  Europe
• Website
  https://www.matteotrevisan.net
• Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/trevisanmatteo/

“More Necessary than the Sun” is a photographic journey into the environmental and human toll of extreme pollution in the Central Balkans. Begun in 2022, the project captures the alarming impact of outdated coal plants, vast lignite mines, and weak oversight, which have led to some of Europe’s highest pollution levels.

Through this series, the project confronts viewers with the stark consequences of environmental exploitation often fueled by foreign corporations in what is seen as neo-colonialism

Matteo Trevisan (1991) is a photographer and filmmaker from Friuli Venezia Giulia, represented by the Contrasto agency since 2021. Born and raised in a border area between Italy and Slovenia, Trevisan develops long-term projects focused on social and ecological issues, with an anthropological approach to place.

In 2024, he published his first photobook, “I Guardiani della montagna – We are still dreaming” (Danilo Montanari Editore), which explores the struggles of young people involved in the NO TAV movement. The book includes a text by writer Erri De Luca.

Awards 2024. Attra_versus CRAF - Centro di Ricerca e Archiviazione della Fotografia, Winner
2024. reFocus Award, Honorable mention
2024. Prix de la Photographie Paris, Bronze Winner
2024. Kranj Photo Fest, portfolio review selected
2024. Rovinj Photodays, Third place
2024. Lugano Photo, Finalist
2023. BarTur Photo Award, Finalist
2023. Festival di Fotografia a Capri, Winner
2023. Hamburg Portfolio Review, Selected
2023. Sarajevo Photo Festival, Finalist
2022. Fotoleggendo XV, Winner
2022. Tokyo Photo Award, Bronze Winner
2022. Budapest Photo Award, Silver Winner
2022. Canon Development Programme, Finalist for Europe, Africa and Middle Est
2022. International Photography Awards, Honorable mention
2022. IPIC - Imago Photo International Contest, Finalist
2022. Lugano Photo, Finalist
2022. Urban Photo Award, Short list
2020. Amnesty "Cattura i diritti della luce", Winner