167
By Brice Gelot

Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.

167 is a long-term documentary look at a tower complex built as a result of Law 167, which was passed in 1962. It is located in the Scampia district of Naples, Italy, the most dangerous neighborhood in Europe, which has become famous for its high crime rate and general state of disrepair.

“I was born for this shit. I live for photography, which will flow in my bloodstream until the very end.”
– Brice Gelot

Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.

Through my photos, I want to raise awareness about the difficult living conditions of the residents of this neighborhood and the need to invest in initiatives to improve their situation.
In addition, I also explore the presence of the Camorra (Mafia), the local criminal organization. I document the effects of organized crime on this disadvantaged neighborhood, highlighting the underlying causes of these problems and sparking debates about possible solutions.
In sum, my report sheds light on the social and economic challenges faced by residents of this underprivileged neighborhood of Naples while prompting reflection on current policies and practices in housing and urban development.
In this series, I aim to take the viewer deeper into the diverse and historically rich city beyond the postcards or the street we actually see or know.

Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.

“I have always been influenced by all of this culture. I like to show the world as it is; nothing’s more interesting than reality. So, from rough areas that never see tourists to poor neighborhoods where I can find chaos, I find beauty. I let the street speak, and I just document what I see.”
– Brice Gelot

Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.

BRICE GELOT


Brice Gelot is a self-taught French photographer who has earned a solid reputation for his raw photography and is known for his photojournalism, documenting street culture.
His work in photojournalism focuses on the reality of our world as it is. His photographs often reflect the harsh reality of street life, including portraying people on the margins of society, tattoo culture, and the darker side of our society, such as homelessness and gangs.
Through his work, he seeks to inspire empathy and understanding for those who often go unnoticed or ignored and aims to challenge the viewer’s preconceptions and highlight the resilience and strength of those who persevere in the face of adversity.

Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.

“I can find beauty even in chaos; the beauty in those neighborhoods is what I find in the heart of each resident; that’s my concept of the beauty of the street.”
–Brice Gelot

Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.
Brice Gelot © All rights reserved.


Gelot’s passion for photojournalism is driven by the belief that images can be a powerful tool for social change and can facilitate important conversations about the most pressing issues of our time and raise awareness, educate, and promote intercultural dialogue by highlighting the differences between the cultures and lifestyles of disadvantaged neighborhoods and other communities. He wants to help by breaking down stereotypes and promoting better understanding, but also to reflect on important issues such as poverty, the humanitarian crisis, social justice, and human rights.

See the full article in Lens Magazine Issue #107

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