The debut issue of Photo Curva Magazine offers an extraordinary glimpse into the heart of football fan culture across Europe. Featuring captivating stories and photographs from Italy, Germany, Poland, Greece, Austria, Cyprus, and Armenia, the magazine captures the spirit of the 2023/24 football season in these nations. Spanning approximately 100 pages and written in English, Photo Curva provides a first-hand account of what makes the passion and loyalty of fans so unique in each country.
The magazine is the brainchild of Slovenian journalists and football travel enthusiasts Jakob Jarc and Jakob Batič. Both dedicated groundhoppers, they travel Europe in search of the lesser-seen side of football, exploring the terraces, fan cultures, stadiums and surrounding streets that are often overlooked by mainstream media. Instead of just focusing on Europe’s glamorous super leagues, Photo Curva Magazine delves into the alternative football experiences of these diverse countries.
In discussing the origins and vision for Photo Curva Magazine, the duo reflect on how the project was conceived during a summer 2023 trip to Austria and Poland. They share how their deep passion for football, which consumes both their time and income, inspired them to preserve their memories and experiences in a physical form that could endure over time.
Photo Curva Magazine | 2023/24
First edition of Photo Curva Mag features stories and photographs from Italy, Germany, Poland, Greece, Austria, Cyprus and Armenia from the 2023/24 football season.
The A4 magazine consists of around 100 pages in English, offering a first hand insight into football fan culture in those countries.
Their primary focus is on groundhopping and ultras culture, capturing the essence of fan experiences from memorable matches and unique stadiums across Europe. They emphasise that the magazine isn’t about tactical analyses or big-name players, nor does it cover high-profile events like the Champions League. Instead, it highlights the charm of lower-league football, such as the second division in Armenia.
While many stories are drawn from friendships made on past travels, they have chosen to focus on the 2023/24 season for cohesion. Though the magazine includes personal experiences, they aim to offer broader insights into aspects of football fan culture that often escape mainstream media attention. Every photo in the magazine is their own work, adding an authentic, personal touch to the publication.
Jarc and Batič bring fans stories from the stands – stories about the deep connections, local pride, and rituals that define football communities. Through vivid photography and personal narratives, Photo Curva Magazine offers a refreshing, authentic perspective for anyone looking to understand football beyond the scores and standings, providing an unparalleled look into the soul of European football.
Despite traveling extensively, they deliberately chose not to cover Slovenian football, except in rare cases, believing it deserves its own dedicated publication in the future. The duo hopes that readers will appreciate and enjoy this unique perspective on European football fan culture.
Photo Curva Magazine can be purchased directly from Lower Block, but If purchasing from outside the UK and within the EU we recommend buying directly from Photo Curva Magazine.
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Photo Curva Magazine | 2023/24£20.00 -
S. Korea 24 | Matt Barnes£8.50 -
Estadio | Danny Last£8.50
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