Photography by David Uzochukwu. Courtesy of Kemmler Kemmler
Generation Z and young millenials are earning a reputation for being politically active with Greta Thunberg leading school strikes from Stockholm, the Extinction Rebellion’s climate activists gluing themselves to politicians’ houses and Polish women leading protests for reproductive rights under a far-right government – but if you wouldn’t know it by looking at the voter statistics from the last European Parliamentary elections. According to EU statistics, only 28% of 18-24 year olds across the continent came out to the polls in 2014, with some countries averaging as low as 6 percent.
For German-Portuguese photographer Clara Nebeling, 24, the numbers were too dismal to do nothing – especially when important questions like Brexit hang over the continent. In the great tradition of art as activism, she created the EUnited photo series with a group of young photographers from across Europe to represent the diverse youth and encourage them to take control of their institutions. David Uzochukwu, 21, is a self-taught Austrian photographer who has shot for Wonderland and Numéro. France’s Wendy Huynh, 24, founded Arcade Magazine. German-Romanian Maria Sturm, 33, the winner of the 2018 PHmuseum’s Photographers Grant Main Prize.
“This election is one of the biggest democratic acts on Earth,” Nebeling says. “Our future is being decided not by us, but for us. Something needs to change, and we’re the only ones who can do something about it.”
Each of the posters is available in all 24 official languages of the EU to download online, so that anyone can print them out to raise visibility for next week’s parliamentary elections at a time when Europe is facing questions about climate change, authoritarian leaders and a possible breakup.
Here are the stories behind their personal interpretations of what it means to be European and why voting matters:
A Movable feast
Photography by Maria Strum. Courtesy of Kemmler Kemmler
“Inspired by the dutch still-life paintings of the 17th Century, we decided to adapt the idea and create a modern interpretation of this concept in which foods from all 28 member states are placed alongside each other in one picture. Europe’s open borders and free trade mean we have easy access to items from across the continent, and that is something that people weren’t lucky enough to enjoy hundreds of years ago.” – Maria Strum
By the Horns
Photography by David Uzochukwu. Courtesy of Kemmler Kemmler
“In Ancient Greek mythology there is a tale in which Zeus takes the form of a bull and carries the young Phoenician princess Europa across the sea to the shores of Crete, where she becomes the first queen of the island and the namesake of Europe. With this photo I wanted to put the modern European youth in that position of power and possibility. Young adults in particular often find their place in society is questioned, but this is their future.” – David Uzochukwu.
Love without borders
Photography by Clara Nebeling. Courtesy of Kemmler Kemmler
“As a child of mixed European heritage (German and Portuguese) I set out to portray the world of inter-European relationships that are a major part of life in the EU. Such relationships have been increasing since programmes like Erasmus have helped more and more young people move freely across the continent, and this is my way of showing the growing sense of pan-European identity that looks beyond borders but still maintains national identity.” – Clara Nebeling.
City Kids
Photography by Wendy Huynh. Courtesy of Kemmler Kemmler
“My series of portraits showcases French youth in and around Paris, where I grew up. The pictures portray these kids in a comfortable environment – the sports clubs and community groups where they have learned to live and work alongside one another. My contribution to this project is about them. The younger generations need to work together for the future of our continent.” – Wendy Huynh
Download your own poster at EUnited.co