WITH ONE EYE OPEN
A Short Documentary Series About Photography in Graffiti Culture.
October 9 at 8:00 PM - "La Tenda" - Modena
Free admission
Director Jonathan Pieterse and curator Jasper van Es will be present.
Special guest of the evening: Alex Faxso (photographer/graffiti writer/artist active since the early 1990s), featured in episode no. 4 of the series.
With One Eye Open is an ode to photography in graffiti. From the photos that helped graffiti spread globally, to the snapshots that remain the only trace of a piece long gone.
This series dives into the role of the image in a culture defined by invisibility.
The four short films each follow a different photographer and their unique relationship to graffiti: Alex Fakso, Cat Cent Cat, Edward Nightingale, and MIA Crew.
Together, they offer an insider’s view into a world that is often hidden, illegal or misunderstood.
Written, shot and directed by Jonathan Pieterse Concept by Jasper van Es Soundtrack by Niels Matitawaer
THE SERIES
Each episode tells a new, unusual story—even within the graffiti scene.
The series aims to deepen understanding and contribute to the growing recognition of this field.
It is also intended for active graffiti writers: to reflect on the role of photography in their practice, and the creative space it holds.
Episode 1: The Trainwriter
Sydney, Australia – Follow a graffiti writer from the MIA crew as he hits the Sydney metro, marking the first time a metro in Australia has been painted. The goal of having the piece travel through the city is cut short when the graffiti is quickly removed after the photos are taken. This episode explores the idea of creating something just for the photo, without the original intention of graffiti: going in traffic so people could see the piece rolling by.
Episode 2: Cat Cent Cat
Paris, France –Analog photographer @catcentcat captures the essence of his journeys through the multi-layered city. His spontaneous shooting style fills his film rolls with surprises, reflecting the vibrancy and unpredictability of Paris. The city’s liveliness determines what ends up on his film, making each picture a vivid memory.
Episode 3: Edward Nightingale
Hamburg, Germany – This episode follows Edward Nightingale, a graffiti photographer operating in a city where the vandalsquad is highly active and organized. Watch as Edward Nightingale meticulously plans and executes a mission with the graffiti writer Rache, showcasing the careful coordination and preparation needed in a high-risk environment.
Episode 4: Alex Fakso
London, UK – Dive into the extensive archive of Alex Fakso, an Italian graffiti photographer active since the early ’90s. This episode offers insights into his creative approach, showing the evolution of his work as you scroll through his collection. Fakso’s photography pushes boundaries, with images that escape the frame and send political messages, echoing the inherent rebelliousness of graffiti itself.