Francesca Menghini (b.1987) is an Italian social documentary photographer based in Haarlem, in the Netherlands.
Francesca embraced photography later in life and, after a couple of years as an autodidact, in 2021 she decided to pursue a formal education in the field. She is currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Photography with Falmouth University (Falmouth Flexible) in the UK, and she aims to complete her studies and graduate in 2024.
Francesca’s photography approach involves using various visual narratives to delve into themes centred around identity, social issues, and human rights. Her work encompasses personal projects as well as collaborations.
In her personal projects, she values the freedom to explore and experiment with different approaches, enabling her to deeply engage with the subjects that are important to her and to establish her distinctive voice as a photographer.
By collaborating with like-minded individuals, Francesca merges her vision with their perspectives, contributing to positive social change. Through these partnerships, she connects with fellow advocates, and together, they amplify their collective message through shared viewpoints.
For Francesca, photography is a powerful medium that fosters a profound connection between herself and the world. She strongly believes in encouraging dialogue, sharing stories, and actively listening to others, and she thinks images and stories can positively influence society by shaping opinions and instilling values. Therefore, she uses photography to raise awareness and bring about social change.
Awards
- Head On Portrait Award 2023, Semi-Finalist ( Certificate )
- AOP Emerging Talent Award 2021/22, Finalist
Solo Exhibitions
‘Faces Of Fearless’ Project, Soursop Agency, Amsterdam, NL, 3/12/2022
Collective Exhibitions
2023
- Head On Portrait Awards, 10/11 – 3/12/2023
- Head On Photo Festival, Open Program, 10/11 – 3/12/2023
2022
- Chrysalid Gallery, Rotterdam, NL, 3-10/09/2022
- FujiFilm House of Photography, London, 15-31/07/2022
- Bistrot del Teatro, Viterbo, IT, 17-22/5/2022
- AOP Photography Awards Showcase, Village Underground Shoreditch London, 20/04/2022
- BROAD Magazine, Home Issue, 560 Gallery, Vancouver, Canada, 09/04/2022
- Loosenart Magazine/Gallery, Spazio Millepiani, Rome, IT, 17-26/03/2022
2021
- Float Photo Magazine, Online, 18/10/2021
- Foley Gallery, New York City, 21/06/2021
- De Balie, Amsterdam, NL, 12/06/2021 – 27/06/2021
- The Holy Art Gallery, London, 28/04 – 5/05/2021
2020
- Bargehouse Gallery, OXO Tower Wharf, London, 15/10 – 18/10/2020
- Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg, Florida, 11/01 – 28/02/2020
Events
- She Takes Over Campaign, March 2022
- HagueTalks Event, Museon Den Haag, NL 31/03/2021
Nominations
- BarTur Photo Award Student/Faces of Humanity Award 2022: Shortlisted
- AAP Magazine, #24 Portrait, 2022: Shortlisted
- Zealous Stories, Photography 2022: Shortlisted
- Zealous Stories, Photography 2021: Shortlisted
Books/Magazines
- Arte Queer, Book, Rizzoli Editore (Gruppo Mondadori), 2023
- The 37th AOP Awards, Book, 2021/2022
- Home, BROAD Magazine, 2022
Articles/Interviews
- Gay.it, 2022
- Brainto, 2022
- Curated by Girls, 2022
- CARG, 2021
- Zizo Magazine, 2020