Mattia Zoppellaro studied photography at IED in Milan from 1999 to 2001.
In 2003, after two years working experience at the Photography department of Fabrica (Benetton’s Communication Research Centre), he moved to England, where he started shooting for several music magazines and record labels.
In the meantime he develops different projects, from social reportage (Irish Travellers, Kosovar Refugees, Western Africa Witch Hunters, Hackney’s Homeless, Maximum Security Prisons in Italian North East), to entertainment (Sicilian Religious Ceremonies, Milan Porn Fair) and youth culture features (European Rave Parties, Mexican Punks, Dakar’s Hip Hop Scene).
In September 2017 he publishes his first book “Appleby” edited by Contrasto. In January 2020 The projects “CCCP” and “Straight Outta Pikine” are exhibited at Arte Fiera in Bologna. In October 2021 publishes his second book “Dirty Dancing”, edited by Klasse Wrecks about the late 90s Rave scene.

Dirty Dancing

For years Mattia Zoppellaro has been documenting the European free party/techno scene. As an avid underground music fan and busy traveller Zoppellaro was not only a participant at the events but also a close member of this free roaming family. This has gifted him a unique and intimate access into the lives of the free party collective and everyone and thing they have touched along the way.

Mattia Zoppellaro 

© Mattia Zoppellaro / Contrasto