From February 11 to 21, 2026, the BBA Gallery will present “Selling Romance By The Pound,” a solo exhibition by Italian photographer and director Marco Di Coscio. This captivating collection of works views the photographic portrait not merely as an image, but as a silent marketplace where vulnerability and identity are exchanged for public recognition.
Image gallery
Schriftzug "Ausstellung" in verschiedenen Sprachen
THE EXHIBITION: A MARKETPLACE OF THE SELF
The title of the collection is a reference to the 1973 Genesis album Selling England by the Pound. Di Coscio understands “romance” here as a commodity—an idealized, soft-focus version of the self that the subjects present to the lens. Deeply rooted in his experience in film directing and method acting, Di Coscio's work explores the “transaction” between subject and viewer: How much of our “authentic self” are we willing to give in order to be seen?
Inspired by the technical clarity of great masters such as Mark Seliger and Albert Watson, Di Coscio's real focus is on the moment when the staging crumbles. His portraits capture the raw tension and fragility that remain when the “mask” falls, revealing the fine line between conscious self-presentation and the desperate protection of the inner self.
The exhibition features a wide range of global subjects, including actors and athletes, sex workers, Nepalese monks, and people with disabilities. By portraying these diverse individuals with the same visual rigor, Di Coscio creates a democratic space of visibility. He forces the viewer to abandon the role of passive observer and become a consumer in this transaction—to decide for themselves what a “pound” of human romance is worth.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Marco Di Coscio (born 1989 in Lucca) is an Italian photographer and director whose artistic practice connects the worlds of London, Rome, and New York. With degrees in film directing and stage design, his work is characterized by theatrical composition and a deep focus on human diversity. Di Coscio was named the winner of the “One Shot Award” at the 10th anniversary exhibition of the BBA Prizes in 2025, establishing him as a provocative voice in contemporary portrait photography.
- Opening reception: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Artist Talk: Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
Dates
February 2026
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