War and Politics in Italy

Aperture Priorities Contact Sheet #20

Ice cream and Gaza. Via Po, Torino.

By Joel Schalit

If graffiti is your guide, the only topics in Torino are fascism and Gaza.

In a university town with a large immigrant community, it makes sense.

Talk to anyone under thirty or of African or Middle Eastern background, and you’ll hear the same. 

The fascist element is a reflection of far-right activism in the city, which ebbs and flows based on national politics.

Italy’s far-right government has been a catalyst for renewed visibility amongst nationalist organisations. 

The focus on Gaza has been continuous since 7 October. 

Israeli-Palestinian wars have always been a big deal in Torino, and student protests have been national news. 

None of the photos in this edition of Aperture Priorities are meant to link the two topics.

What’s interesting to me, as a journalist, is how they’ve come together by themselves. This is what’s on the menu right now.  

Torino is that kind of city. It wears its heart on its sleeve and is made for political photography. 

Less Meloni, more watermelons. Palestinian solidarity graffiti, Torino.

You've arrived in Torino. Via Nizza, Lingotto.

Fascists versus students, University of Torino.

Fascists versus anarchists. San Salvario, Torino.

Fascist sticker campaign. Nizza Millefonti, Torino.

Fascist memorabilia. Weekend book market, Torino.

Arab migrants, German anti-Nazi stickers. Via Nizza, Torino.

Antiracist readymade. Italia 61, Torino.

Let's stop them with the vote. EU elections posters, University of Torino.

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Photograph courtesy of the author. All rights reserved.