Media resources and project information for Francesco Carvelli’s practice in visual anthropology, documentary photography and cultural storytelling.
Press
Current Featured Work
Mothers of Marmo Platano
Bedroom Stories of Motherhood in Basilicata
2023–ongoing
Long-form photo-ethnographic project documenting eleven mothers across seven mountain towns in the Marmo Platano region (Basilicata, Southern Italy). Through bedroom portraits and audio testimonies, the work explores motherhood, intimate domestic spaces and the transmission of matrilineal knowledge.
Currently exhibiting:
Open Space APT, Matera (Italy) | 10 Nov – 10 Dec 2025
Press materials:
View full project and press kit →
Suspicions, Perspectives & Edges
The Complexity of Humanity
2005–2015
Street photography series exploring human emotions, boundaries and unexpected connections across Italy, UK, Netherlands and Thailand. Candid observations of gestures and chance encounters that reveal the quiet complexity of everyday life.
Press materials:
View project gallery →
Documentary Photography
Earlier Work
A Journey Through Images
1988–1999
Early photographic work beginning at age 14 with father’s Topcon camera. Family portraits, experimental photography and formative explorations that established the foundation for a lifelong commitment to visual storytelling.
Press materials:
View project gallery →
Soulscapes: The Labyrinth of Emotions
A Journey into the Human Experience
1988–2004
Long-exposure experimental photography exploring multiple timelines and perceptions of time. Humans as ephemeral figures, transient threads of light navigating existence. A 16-year exploration challenging conventional portraiture.
Press materials:
View project gallery →
Artificial Burden of Representation
Unmasking Illusions
2018
Macro photography series exploring hidden dimensions within stones and seemingly inert materials. Through close-up lens work, the collection challenges the authenticity of visual experiences and prompts reconsideration of materiality and perception.
Press materials:
View project gallery →
Festive Costumes & Cultural Identity
Research in Basilicata
Ongoing
Visual documentation exploring traditional dress, festive rituals and cultural identity in small communities across Basilicata. Part of broader research into how material culture carries memory and meaning.
Press materials available upon request
Contact: hello@francescocarvelli.com
Film & Video Work (2003–2017)
Documentary Films
Tom Donald: Mastering Improvisation | 2017 | Director
Tales from the Train Station | 2014 | Director
Developing Ethiopia | 2008-09 | Director (UK-Ethiopia)
Written by Hand | 2011 | Director
Road to Westminster | 2012 | Video Editor
Full filmography available upon request
Short Films & Experimental Work
Tantric Xantic | 2012 | Director
Headless Angel | 2011 | Director
Work (Overture) | 2010 | Director
John Giorno’s Nine Poems in Basilicata | 2005 | Assistant Director
ACMA – Amico Cuscino Mortale Ambizione | 2005 | Director
La Frittatina | 2005 | Director
Feature Films: Tangled Up in Blue (Producer, 2007-10), Leaving Baghdad (Editor, 2010), Hotel Splendid (Postproduction Supervisor, 2016), Image Matters (Postproduction Supervisor, 2011)
Cultural Programming & Curation
MILKandLEAD Art Gallery | 2014–2018
Managing Director, London UK
DELIQUIUM Triennial Art Exhibition | 2015, 2018
Event Coordinator, London UK
PIFF – Potenza International Film Festival | 2004–2006
Festival Coordinator, Italy
Organized workshops with Abbas Kiarostami, Babak Payami, Jafar Panahi
Crossing The Line International Film Festival | 2008
Visual Artist, London UK
For Press & Media
General enquiries
For interviews, exhibition information and project details:
hello@francescocarvelli.com
High-resolution images
Press-ready images available for editorial use with credit:
“© Francesco Carvelli”
Film stills and archival materials available upon request for retrospective features.
Interview requests
Available for interviews in English and Italian, in person and online.
About Francesco Carvelli
Francesco Carvelli (b. 1974, Baragiano, Basilicata) is a visual anthropologist, photographer, filmmaker and cultural strategist based between London and Southern Italy.
His practice combines long-form photography, audio documentation and participatory research, with focus on memory, identity and territorial heritage—particularly in small mountain towns facing depopulation. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in documentary filmmaking, gallery management and festival curation, he develops projects with cultural institutions, municipalities and communities.
His journey in visual storytelling began after the loss of his father, using photography and videography to explore identity, cultural anthropology and the rituals of Southern Italy.
Education:
MSc Sociology (Visual Anthropology), University of Naples Federico II, 2004
BA Sociology, University of Salerno, 2002
Current Position:
Founder & Creative Director, RADICÆ – Cultural Territories, Italy (from 2025)
Creative Director & Social Impact Consultant, The Garden of Values, London (2020–present)
Selected Professional Experience:
Managing Director, MILKandLEAD Art Gallery, London (2014–2018)
Festival Coordinator, PIFF International Film Festival (2004–2006)
Photographer/Videographer, Rocco Pizzichillo Photography (1988–1998)
Image Use Policy
All images are protected by copyright. Editorial use is permitted with proper attribution: “© Francesco Carvelli”. Any commercial or promotional use requires prior written permission. For licensing enquiries and specific image requests, please get in touch.
Mothers of Marmo Platano
Open Space APT, Matera (Italy)
10 Nov – 10 Dec 2025
Occasional updates on exhibitions, fieldwork, and new publications. No noise, just the essentials.
Have a cultural project, archive, or territory to explore? Get in touch or book a short call to discuss a possible collaboration.
Francesco Carvelli
Creative direction, visual anthropology & cultural strategy