Davide Monteleone is an artist and storyteller who uses photography and video as main forms of expression. In 2001, he moved to Moscow as a correspondent for the Italian agency Contrasto and since 2003 he has lived between Italy and Russia pursuing long-term independent projects. He has devoted himself to the study of social issues, conflict, and relations between power and the individual. Known for his specific interest in the post-soviet area, he published his first book, Dusha—Russian Soul, in 2007, followed by La Linea Inesistente in 2009, Red Thistle in 2012, and Spasibo in 2013. His projects have brought him numerous awards, including several World Press Photo prizes, and grants such as the Aftermath Grant, European Publishers Award, and Carmignac Photojournalism Award. He regularly contributes to leading publications internationally. His photography projects have been presented as installations, exhibitions, and screenings at festivals and galleries worldwide, including the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Saatchi Gallery in London, MEP in Paris, and Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. He is engaged with educational activities, regularly lecturing at universities and teaching workshops internationally. Monteleone is a member of VII Photo and is represented by Kehrer Gallery in Berlin.
Over the past two centuries, there have been periodic tensions between Russia and China, including some serious border conflicts, and historically Russia has usually held the upper hand. But nowadays, at the personal level, Monteleone notices a different dynamic.