Club Atlético Independiente, one of Argentina’s most revered football institutions, has a rich history dating back to its official founding in 1905. Based in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, the club has earned its place among Argentina’s “Big Five.” With a stadium capacity of nearly 50,000, the Estadio Libertadores de América is a fortress for “El Rojo” (The Reds), whose passionate Barra brava fan group (Argentinian Ultras), known as La Barra del Rojo, ranks as one of the largest and most passionate in the country. The rivalry with Racing Club, dubbed the Avellaneda Derby, is one of the fiercest in Argentine football, embodying decades of pride, loyalty, and intense competition.
Amateur photographer Lucio Cosenza explores this world of devotion through his analogue film photography, capturing the intensity of the matches and the support. For Lucio, Independiente is more than a football club – it’s a family legacy, a connection to his father and grandfather, and a symbol of his lifelong passion. Through his work, he seeks to immortalise the unique culture and emotions that permeate the stands, believing that every fan and every moment at the stadium has its own story to tell. His work stands as a tribute to the deep bond between football and Argentine identity.
“My beloved club, Club Atlético Independiente. I’ve been a member since the day I was born, and since I was two-years-old, I’ve been going to the stadium with my father, and before he passed away, also with my grandfather. For me, Independiente represents a heritage passed down to me from a young age, and something I will be connected to for the rest of my life.”
“The club means everything to me. It’s a family legacy that I hope to carry until the end of my days. It’s not just about passion; it’s about sharing something with my father – my favourite photograph from this series is of him, in the centre of a photo, with the stadium in the background. The days we go to the stadium have a different vibe right from the start.”
“I’ve been watching football since I was very young. It’s a thrilling game that changes every day, and you find new things to love about it. Football and culture go hand in hand. Independiente was once a neighbourhood club, but today it’s a giant, thanks to its titles and its fans, but there’s a rich history behind it.
I’m just starting to explore the world of photography, and I noticed that in Argentina, analogue photography or artistic approaches aren’t very common in football stadiums. That’s how I came across Lower Block, which inspired me, and I truly admire the work of the photographers featured. Through football and photography I’ve seen that there’s a “B-side” to football culture. Capturing moments, fans, and stadiums is an art.
I believe it’s not just about the game. Every person or moment has a story behind it, and I like to think I can capture that little story for a brief moment.”
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Estadio | Danny Last£8.50 -
Colombia Fiesta, Italia 90Price range: £100.00 through £150.00 -
Te Queremos Argentina, 94Price range: £100.00 through £150.00
Keep up with Lucio and his analogue project by following his on Instagram.
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