Marco Vernaschi is an Italian visual artist and producer best known for his thought-provoking photography and inspirational campaigns. His ever-evolving body of work stands as a testament to his ability to merge artistic expression with activism.
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
His career, often marked by disruptive and confrontational projects, spans over two decades and has had a significant impact on the global arts community and beyond, challenging viewers to engage with critical social issues through compelling narratives.
Early in his career, Vernaschi’s collaborations with the Pulitzer Center laid a strong foundation. Notable among these projects is Narco State, which investigates narco-terrorism in Guinea-Bissau, focusing on the impact of drug trafficking on political stability and social fabric, highlighting human costs and pervasive corruption.
Marco Vernaschi • AHÍCITO NOMÁS
Another project, Dying for Treatment, exposes maternal healthcare crisis in West Africa, capturing the dire conditions in hospitals, showing the struggles of women and emphasizing the urgent need for international aid and intervention. Child Sacrifice investigates ritualistic killings driven by witchcraft and organ trafficking in Uganda.
In 2011, Vernaschi’s work took a significant turn with his participation in the 54th Venice Biennale. His autobiographical project, Placebo, described by film director David Lynch as “a monumental break in photography”, explores sexual energy as a central element of human experience. Consisting of two series – A Rush of Light and BsAs Spleen – Placebo further consolidated Marco’s reputation as a visionary artist.
Marco Vernaschi • MACONDO
Vernaschi’s work continued to gain global recognition, particularly for his series Biophilia, celebrated in Europe at Noorderlicht and Paris Photo, in Japan at the Tokyo Institute of Photography, and in Brazil at the International Festival of Photography. Biophilia explores humanity’s need to reconnect with nature, illustrating the vital importance of this bond for our future.
One of Vernaschi’s most significant projects is Seeds for Life, an awareness campaign that garnered support from Coldplay’s Chris Martin. This initiative brought attention to the challenges faced by communities impacted by industrial agriculture in Argentina, drawing global attention and resulting in improved living conditions and regulations on agrochemicals in the affected region.
Vernaschi’s work also attracted corporate attention. Marcos’s short film Gaucha, which he wrote and directed for Apple’s global campaign #ShotOnIphone, celebrates gaucho matriarchs and their cultural heritage.
In his most recent work, Ahícito Nomás, Vernaschi explores the intersection of ancestral and contemporary feminism in Latin America’s Altiplano as part of WARMI, a campaign that has significantly fostered empowerment and advocacy for indigenous women’s rights.
Marco Vernaschi • WARMI Campaign
Marco’s latest work, The Land Of Never After presented in 2025, delves into Argentina’s perpetual swings between extreme populist ideologies, contrasting its unifying foundational heritage with today’s divisive rhetoric.
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
Through 2023-24 he produced Macondo, inspired by Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s literary legacy, delves into the connection between magical realism and climate resilience in Colombia. This project juxtaposes the fantastical with the real, exploring how cultural narratives shape community responses to environmental challenges.
Throughout his career, Vernaschi has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious World Press Photo Award. His work, which continually challenges audiences to engage with critical issues on a deeper level, has established him as a pivotal figure in visual arts.