On the Beach

The beach has long been a compelling subject in photography, serving as the perfect stage for the grand ‘human comedy.’ Under the vast, indifferent sky, people come and go like actors in an endless play. The ocean, timeless and indifferent, mirrors the comedy and tragedy of human existence.
The book presents a selection of photographers who have explored the beach from many perspectives: Ferdinando Scianna, Bruno Barbey, Bruce Gilden, Harry Gruyaert, Martin Parr, Trent Parke, Olivia Arthur and Newsha Tavakolian. Throughout history, Magnum photographers have captured the beach in strikingly different ways, reflecting both cultural moments and timeless human experiences. Whether in colour or black and white, whether depicting joy, solitude, or the sublime power of nature, beach photography continues to be a rich and evocative theme, inviting viewers to see the shore as more than just a destination, but as a canvas for visual expression.

Text in English and Italian.