Luisa Maria Stagno
With Le Standard, Luisa Maria Stagno explores the fascinating world of pedigree pigeons — blending genetics, photography, and tradition — to shift our perception of this often-overlooked animal.
@Rari Matei
L'artiste Luisa Maria Stagno
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Focus area Cultural
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Type of grant stART-up fund
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Period 2024
What if the pigeon were one of Europe’s most remarkable animals?
With her latest project, Le Standard, photographer and artist Luisa Maria Stagno invites us to rediscover this misunderstood species through an aesthetic, scientific, and symbolic journey into the world of fancy pigeons. Exploring the genetic richness of the species, traditional European breeds, and the effects of human selection, she offers a poetic tribute to the complex relationship between humans and the living world.
“The pigeon has over 17,300 genes — humans have 21,000. It’s one of the most genetically rich animals. Behind each feathered coat lies a story of tradition, evolution, and coexistence with humans.”
A passion sparked by a meeting
It all began with a previous project on city pigeons. But the true turning point came at a poultry show in Richemont, France, where Luisa discovered an unexpected world — that of passionate breeders, breed standards, vibrant plumage, and soulful eyes.
I met beautiful animals and people. Then I discovered the personality of these birds — their individuality. I was captivated.
Luisa Maria Stagno artist
This encounter triggered an ambitious visual and documentary research effort, combining animal portraiture with human tradition. The goal? To create a collectible book and immersive exhibitions blending video and photography — to open the audience’s eyes.
@Rari Matei
Luisa Maria Stagno taking a pigeon's picture
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photo session
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un pigeon pose pour la caméra
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A journey between science and poetry
The project is currently halfway through. Delayed by the production of a previous book, it has grown in depth and ambition. Historical research on pigeon breeds has taken time, as has the demanding visual work: microphotography, technical shots, exploring textures…
I want to enter the body of the pigeon — to reveal the invisible. To show the unexpected nobility of these often-dismissed beings.
Luisa Maria Stagno artist
A resilient path, a lesson in perseverance
Despite technical, scientific, and logistical challenges, the artist’s enthusiasm has only grown. Each difficulty becomes an opportunity to grow.
@Rari Matei
I believe one should never stop believing in dreams — even during hard times.
Luisa Maria Stagno artist
A vibrant homage to nature and art
Le Standard will culminate in a beautifully crafted book and immersive exhibitions. More than images, Luisa Maria Stagno seeks to spark wonder — a form of reconciliation with a nature that is too often ignored.
@Rari Matei
Le livre « La fascinante histoire du pigeon de rue »
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pigeon photogénique
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I see myself as a magician of images. I love showing the beauty of animals.
Luisa Maria Stagno artist
A commitment to life itself
Beneath the aesthetic lies a clear message: a call to protect the living, to look at the world differently, and to reinvent our relationship with animals. Each image, each word is a plea for wonder — and for the recognition of non-human beings.
“Unexpected beauty. The complex bond between humans and animals. That’s what I want to share.”
A sentence that says it all
“Love life. Protect nature. Learn to see the world differently — it’s wonderful, and animals and nature are a deep source of inspiration.”
Discover more
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Cultural
stART-up fund
The stART-up fund is for artists, creatives and cultural players below the age of 36 who have a connection to Luxembourg.
Cultural
Culture highlights the rich diversity of our society and provides a space for experiencing human emotions, reminding us every day that creation and intercultural dialogue have a key role to play in fostering individual integration and social cohesion. Œuvre finances cultural projects that have a social dimension.
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