Biography
Max Pelagatti is a photographer born in the vibrant city of Tokyo in 1988 to a Japanese mother and an Italian father.
Raised in the dynamic intertwining of these two diverse worlds, Max spent his childhood years navigating the intricate balance between the cultures of Japan and Italy.
The cultural environment in which he grew up strongly influences his art, acting as a vibrant canvas painted with the hues of his multicultural upbringing.
Although primarily driven by the passion for capturing the beauty of landscapes and cityscapes, Max possesses a unique duality in his artistic pursuits. While landscape photography is the cornerstone of his creative expression, he also channels his skills and vision to nurture a profound interest in societal issues, fostering awareness and advocating for change.
ARTIST STATEMENT
In my opinion, photography is the most effective way to reach a large and inhomogeneous audience.
I see art as a universal language that has the power to educate and break down prejudices. Art has survived through centuries and always had the ability to change one’s thoughts, starting from the artist himself.
It may not create a “revolution,” but it is a slow and time consuming process that I believe will lead to a change.
The pursuit of change
In 2015, Max committed himself to social photographic projects and joined the international organization Shoot4Change two years later.
In 2016, the project “The Wood of memories” was presented in twelve solo exhibitions in Belgium, Italy, and Japan and gained the attention of European and American critics. In a groundbreaking move, the project pioneered the integration of digital art, weaving a contemporary tapestry that pays homage to the untold stories of the women entwined with the tragedy of Le Bois du Cazier.
In 2018, Max undertook an impactful initiative, self-funding the “Mom Too Soon” project with a dedicated mission: to delve into the complex landscape of adolescent pregnancies in Ecuador while shining a spotlight on issues related to sexual and reproductive rights in third-world countries. His commitment to shedding light on these pressing concerns led to the making of a powerful documentary and a compelling photo reportage.
The “Mom too Soon” project garnered attention on an international stage. Presented at Hofstra University in the presence of James Estrin (The New York Times) and the Pulitzer Prize winner Greg Marinovich, the narrative resonated with audiences eager to engage in meaningful discussions surrounding these crucial topics. Additionally, the project found a platform at the Humanitarian Film Festival in Tampa, amplifying its reach and impact.
Besides photography
Currently residing in Italy, Max also ventures into the realm of videography, bringing his storytelling skills to life through the moving image. Whether for documenting his journeys, sharing narratives of societal significance, or creating promotional content, his videography work adds a dynamic dimension to his repertoire.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Max wears the hat of a marketing consultant, leveraging his creative vision to assist businesses in crafting compelling narratives and visual strategies.
Not content to keep his knowledge and skills to himself, Max takes on the role of a photography and photo retouching instructor, sharing his expertise with aspiring and professional photographers.
