“How would you describe the life of a young person in Europe to an alien?”

Vienna, Austria
4-6 July 2022

(click on an image to open a full screen slideshow)

Life is all about choices and every choice has certain consequences. You might choose the common path to avoid disappointment but you could also be missing out on something valuable. Every choice thereby involves a certain risk; hold on to the traditional or be willing to dive into the unknown. Making those choices in adult life is the hardest thing to do.
Life is all about choices and every choice has certain consequences. You might choose the common path to avoid disappointment but you could also be missing out on something valuable. Every choice thereby involves a certain risk; hold on to the traditional or be willing to dive into the unknown. Making those choices in adult life is the hardest thing to do.
In the picture we see a girl riding a bicycle. Almost nobody rides a bike in Bulgaria. And if someone does, everyone thinks he/she's crazy. In most European countries, everyone rides a bike and that's normal. When you ride a bike you feel free and you can go wherever you want. It is also good for health and the environment. Through this photo I want to show that young people have complete freedom, can be mobile and pay attention to a healthy life.
In the picture we see a girl riding a bicycle. Almost nobody rides a bike in Bulgaria. And if someone does, everyone thinks he/she's crazy. In most European countries, everyone rides a bike and that's normal. When you ride a bike you feel free and you can go wherever you want. It is also good for health and the environment. Through this photo I want to show that young people have complete freedom, can be mobile and pay attention to a healthy life.
In this picture, you can see two statements from two different time periods but very similar in their message. The letters in gold translate to "The time - it's art. The art is freedom" while the words below in black simply say "Fuck War". They both represent freedom of expression and of life but the two statements express their sentiments in vastly different ways. The letters in gold are very traditional, glamorous, and rigorous in their style while the letters in black are more plain, chaotic and angry. The contrast in their styles highlights the differences in art, self-expression and language over generations. The picture also reminds us of how Europe has known relative peace for many decades, and how the people are against war. The young man facing the camera conveys a sense of determination - as if he were making a declaration of his ideals.
In this picture, you can see two statements from two different time periods but very similar in their message. The letters in gold translate to "The time - it's art. The art is freedom" while the words below in black simply say "Fuck War". They both represent freedom of expression and of life but the two statements express their sentiments in vastly different ways. The letters in gold are very traditional, glamorous, and rigorous in their style while the letters in black are more plain, chaotic and angry. The contrast in their styles highlights the differences in art, self-expression and language over generations. The picture also reminds us of how Europe has known relative peace for many decades, and how the people are against war. The young man facing the camera conveys a sense of determination - as if he were making a declaration of his ideals.
In this picture a student is looking at a skull. The student is faced with the reality that he has to grow old, to come of age, and that being too focused on “being an adult” at his young age makes him miss out on the pleasures of youth, these being the possibility to make the odd choice, go the longer road, take the unknown turn, to be unreasonable and make mistakes.
In this picture a student is looking at a skull. The student is faced with the reality that he has to grow old, to come of age, and that being too focused on “being an adult” at his young age makes him miss out on the pleasures of youth, these being the possibility to make the odd choice, go the longer road, take the unknown turn, to be unreasonable and make mistakes.
In this picture you can see a personal connection - a human connection that goes across borders because even if we have our own culture and traditions, we still connect by being an citizens of the world fighting for the same goals and rights. The connection you see is the tentative start of a connection - we reach out but not always fully hold on to each other.
In this picture you can see a personal connection - a human connection that goes across borders because even if we have our own culture and traditions, we still connect by being an citizens of the world fighting for the same goals and rights. The connection you see is the tentative start of a connection - we reach out but not always fully hold on to each other.
This picture portrays the political ideologies of European youth in several ways: in terms of self-expression, concern over the climate, and also political action. The graffiti represents freedom of expression through art. The man facing the wall with his bike not only showcases the way of life of European youth but also his political and lifestyle choices. He stands alone, watching a world on fire, ready to fight for his ideals. There is a sense of helplessness and being on your own as the man stands alone, but the image also acts as a call for promoting actionable change. Lastly, the picture shows how the world is a bizarre chaotic place (for example, looking at the sculptures on the bottom right), but the man is able to focus on the one thing that matters and gives him a sense of purpose.
This picture portrays the political ideologies of European youth in several ways: in terms of self-expression, concern over the climate, and also political action. The graffiti represents freedom of expression through art. The man facing the wall with his bike not only showcases the way of life of European youth but also his political and lifestyle choices. He stands alone, watching a world on fire, ready to fight for his ideals. There is a sense of helplessness and being on your own as the man stands alone, but the image also acts as a call for promoting actionable change. Lastly, the picture shows how the world is a bizarre chaotic place (for example, looking at the sculptures on the bottom right), but the man is able to focus on the one thing that matters and gives him a sense of purpose.
In a very expensive part of the city you see all kinds of people from different parts of society. People are shopping for the most expensive brands, while others are trying to get by any way they can.
In a very expensive part of the city you see all kinds of people from different parts of society. People are shopping for the most expensive brands, while others are trying to get by any way they can.
Rethinking your life at the end of the day, is it good or not?
Rethinking your life at the end of the day, is it good or not?
Many young people in Europe start their day taking public transportation to get to university where they study, hoping to obtain the job of their dreams in the future.
Many young people in Europe start their day taking public transportation to get to university where they study, hoping to obtain the job of their dreams in the future.
This guy was sitting at the river admiring different aspects of the city, on top we have Urania the planetarium, then we have the places where people usually go out and then the graffiti. Who knows what the guy was thinking about? 
This guy was sitting at the river admiring different aspects of the city, on top we have Urania the planetarium, then we have the places where people usually go out and then the graffiti. Who knows what the guy was thinking about? 
In this picture, you can see a group of people, all on their phone. The picture stands for the individuality of our current society. What does “together” mean when people search for connection online, instead of in real life? A shift in their priorities can create a deeper connection, which will have a positive impact on the degree of loneliness young people experience.
In this picture, you can see a group of people, all on their phone. The picture stands for the individuality of our current society. What does “together” mean when people search for connection online, instead of in real life? A shift in their priorities can create a deeper connection, which will have a positive impact on the degree of loneliness young people experience.
What do you see in this photo? Why?, don’t ask, why don’t [not] ask? or don’t ask why. What you see and interpret depends on your perspective. Asking “why” questions is a very important part of young people lives which lead to opportunities to create better future while other generations may try to stop us by telling us to “don’t ask”. Older people could also wonder “why” we think and act the way we do but the future belongs to us so “DON’T ASK WHY!”
What do you see in this photo? Why?, don’t ask, why don’t [not] ask? or don’t ask why. What you see and interpret depends on your perspective. Asking “why” questions is a very important part of young people lives which lead to opportunities to create better future while other generations may try to stop us by telling us to “don’t ask”. Older people could also wonder “why” we think and act the way we do but the future belongs to us so “DON’T ASK WHY!”
In this picture, you can see a group of people, all on their phone. The picture stands for the individuality of our current society. What does “together” mean when people search for connection online, instead of in real life? A shift in their priorities can create a deeper connection, which will have a positive impact on the degree of loneliness young people experience.
In this picture, you can see a group of people, all on their phone. The picture stands for the individuality of our current society. What does “together” mean when people search for connection online, instead of in real life? A shift in their priorities can create a deeper connection, which will have a positive impact on the degree of loneliness young people experience.
We have a routine: we wake up, we have to travel to be at our appointments on time, while we’re doing this we always feel the pressure of performing. This man is representing a young community. He has a routine to keep himself on the right track of the society. He is by himself in a place full of people in the EU. The focus is on the future, instead of the present time.
We have a routine: we wake up, we have to travel to be at our appointments on time, while we’re doing this we always feel the pressure of performing. This man is representing a young community. He has a routine to keep himself on the right track of the society. He is by himself in a place full of people in the EU. The focus is on the future, instead of the present time.
This graffiti shows a young human figure with a head partially covered. We see the use of a few and dark colours as a form of expression for the person's emotional state. It appears that the person is overthinking, feeling lost and hopeless in its attempt to find a solution. We see someone trapped in a web of thoughts, where the body is not moving but the mind is racing.
This graffiti shows a young human figure with a head partially covered. We see the use of a few and dark colours as a form of expression for the person's emotional state. It appears that the person is overthinking, feeling lost and hopeless in its attempt to find a solution. We see someone trapped in a web of thoughts, where the body is not moving but the mind is racing.
The photo captures two young girls hiding behind their skateboards. They are using them as a way to express themselves. Even though they appear to be hiding, we can still see freedom, connection and a strong bond between them through their eyes.
The photo captures two young girls hiding behind their skateboards. They are using them as a way to express themselves. Even though they appear to be hiding, we can still see freedom, connection and a strong bond between them through their eyes.
In this picture, we can see a local club in Vienna by the Danube river, crowded with young people having a good time, drinking and chatting at the end of the day. In the background, we can see both a wall and a bridge filled with graffiti. In Vienna, graffiti are recognized as a form of art in designates areas, unlike other cities where they are considered vandalism everywhere without exception. This shows that the city provides a space for young people to express their creativity freely. We chose this picture because the youngsters socializing, chatting and having fun at the club represent a part of the quality of life that you can enjoy in Vienna.
In this picture, we can see a local club in Vienna by the Danube river, crowded with young people having a good time, drinking and chatting at the end of the day. In the background, we can see both a wall and a bridge filled with graffiti. In Vienna, graffiti are recognized as a form of art in designates areas, unlike other cities where they are considered vandalism everywhere without exception. This shows that the city provides a space for young people to express their creativity freely. We chose this picture because the youngsters socializing, chatting and having fun at the club represent a part of the quality of life that you can enjoy in Vienna.
This picture shows young tourists "looking" at a famous site in Vienna. One of them tries to make a contact with the rest, but she finds distant faces. It is difficult for the observer to recognize emotions in their expressions as they are immersed in the virtual world.
This picture shows young tourists "looking" at a famous site in Vienna. One of them tries to make a contact with the rest, but she finds distant faces. It is difficult for the observer to recognize emotions in their expressions as they are immersed in the virtual world.
In this picture, we can see a traffic light symbol in the form of a same-sex couple walking. This is a unique feature of the city of Vienna because it is not a common sight in many cities around the world. To us, it represents the open-mindedness of the Vienna population and its institutions. This is just one of the many types of traffic lights that represent sexual minorities. While it may seem like a small gesture but it can have a huge impact on the underrepresented groups. We chose this picture because we wanted to highlight how Vienna's inclusive environment is beneficial for young people's quality of life. Growing up in this environment can give young people more freedom and confidence to be themselves without the fear of being judged. We imagine that putting up these lights can nurture a more tolerant mindset in the wider population, especially the younger generations, who can grow up to be less judgmental.
In this picture, we can see a traffic light symbol in the form of a same-sex couple walking. This is a unique feature of the city of Vienna because it is not a common sight in many cities around the world. To us, it represents the open-mindedness of the Vienna population and its institutions. This is just one of the many types of traffic lights that represent sexual minorities. While it may seem like a small gesture but it can have a huge impact on the underrepresented groups. We chose this picture because we wanted to highlight how Vienna's inclusive environment is beneficial for young people's quality of life. Growing up in this environment can give young people more freedom and confidence to be themselves without the fear of being judged. We imagine that putting up these lights can nurture a more tolerant mindset in the wider population, especially the younger generations, who can grow up to be less judgmental.
This picture was taken near one of the most popular spots along the Danube river. We can see a busy road where many young people are walking around and sitting on the riverbank while chatting and drinking beer. The photo is framed so that we can only see people's legs, not their facial expressions. This picture evokes different emotions and interpretations for us. On the one hand, it represents the freedom of youth where you can enjoy life and wander around and the freedom of movement in Vienna. On the other hand, it evokes a sense of uncertainty youth have towards the future regarding climate change, the political polarization of Europe and the world in general. We chose this picture because, even though Vienna has high living standards and offers a good quality of life, young people still struggle with the chaotic and uncertain nature of their life.
This picture was taken near one of the most popular spots along the Danube river. We can see a busy road where many young people are walking around and sitting on the riverbank while chatting and drinking beer. The photo is framed so that we can only see people's legs, not their facial expressions. This picture evokes different emotions and interpretations for us. On the one hand, it represents the freedom of youth where you can enjoy life and wander around and the freedom of movement in Vienna. On the other hand, it evokes a sense of uncertainty youth have towards the future regarding climate change, the political polarization of Europe and the world in general. We chose this picture because, even though Vienna has high living standards and offers a good quality of life, young people still struggle with the chaotic and uncertain nature of their life.
In this picture you can see people seating in a big city. They are sitting on modern benches, they were placed between old and new buildings. In this square the floor is paved, but trees have been planted all around. The interpretation is: in a European city that has a long history, we can witness a constant process of renovation that leads to a fusion of old and new elements, an effort to make public spaces accessible to everyone through design. On the other side, this pictures shows the “want it all” attitude of people that desire nature, culture, entertainment, noise and peace and above all choices all at once: leaving in cities.
In this picture you can see people seating in a big city. They are sitting on modern benches, they were placed between old and new buildings. In this square the floor is paved, but trees have been planted all around. The interpretation is: in a European city that has a long history, we can witness a constant process of renovation that leads to a fusion of old and new elements, an effort to make public spaces accessible to everyone through design. On the other side, this pictures shows the “want it all” attitude of people that desire nature, culture, entertainment, noise and peace and above all choices all at once: leaving in cities.
In this picture, you can see people are sitting by a river, talking and drinking. It looks like they are relaxing. They are appropriating the constructed bank as a public space for their own purpose. We interpret the vast tolerant space available to an individual living in Europe gives them the freedom to do whatever they want and be whoever they want. We also recognize the privilege. The divided line was interpreted as a border that separates Europe as a space for freedom, mobility and opportunities. On the other side, this space is only available to European residents, excluding people living across the border.
In this picture, you can see people are sitting by a river, talking and drinking. It looks like they are relaxing. They are appropriating the constructed bank as a public space for their own purpose. We interpret the vast tolerant space available to an individual living in Europe gives them the freedom to do whatever they want and be whoever they want. We also recognize the privilege. The divided line was interpreted as a border that separates Europe as a space for freedom, mobility and opportunities. On the other side, this space is only available to European residents, excluding people living across the border.
In this picture, you can see different forms of mobility, like a tram, cars, a bicycle and a bus. You can also see a running girl. The buildings in the background are modern. We interpret that the girl is running to catch public transport. This characterizes the speed of everyday life in Europe: like going to work, study, sports, seeing friends and family and many more. The girl has the choice of different kinds of mobility but at the same time she is facing obstacles: she must cross a street full of traffic. This shows the different paths available to reach a goal. Furthermore, the modern architecture could be interpreted as a business quarter, symbol of worth, economic growth and career ambition.
In this picture, you can see different forms of mobility, like a tram, cars, a bicycle and a bus. You can also see a running girl. The buildings in the background are modern. We interpret that the girl is running to catch public transport. This characterizes the speed of everyday life in Europe: like going to work, study, sports, seeing friends and family and many more. The girl has the choice of different kinds of mobility but at the same time she is facing obstacles: she must cross a street full of traffic. This shows the different paths available to reach a goal. Furthermore, the modern architecture could be interpreted as a business quarter, symbol of worth, economic growth and career ambition.
Central in the picture is a isolated person looking at high buildings at the other side of the river, the dark clouds give a depressing atmosphere, he seems distant to the rest of the city, he can’t reach the city because in the water he could drown. The Mandela on the concrete increases the impression of loneliness.
Central in the picture is a isolated person looking at high buildings at the other side of the river, the dark clouds give a depressing atmosphere, he seems distant to the rest of the city, he can’t reach the city because in the water he could drown. The Mandela on the concrete increases the impression of loneliness.
The pictures shows a young couple enjoying the moment with each other, they have someone to lean on while facing the uncertain future represented by the modern buildings on the other side of the river. It gives a feeling of a complex and fast changing world, to which young people need to adapt too. A floating island on which the couple is sitting in gives the impression distance and isolation form the rest of the world.
The pictures shows a young couple enjoying the moment with each other, they have someone to lean on while facing the uncertain future represented by the modern buildings on the other side of the river. It gives a feeling of a complex and fast changing world, to which young people need to adapt too. A floating island on which the couple is sitting in gives the impression distance and isolation form the rest of the world.
The picture shows contrast between beauty in the present even though there is war visible through a military building. This can be related to the past, present and future. The flowers cover up the horrors of past war. We see how fragile the present peace is, the young toddler in his innocence has no knowledge of the past and is facing a uncertain future in which the world can take so many choices for him.
The picture shows contrast between beauty in the present even though there is war visible through a military building. This can be related to the past, present and future. The flowers cover up the horrors of past war. We see how fragile the present peace is, the young toddler in his innocence has no knowledge of the past and is facing a uncertain future in which the world can take so many choices for him.
The induced need of money represented by the credit card, even though he’s not forced to work he needs to. Being with the one he loves is not liveable or reachable because of work to support the ones he loves he cannot stop the wheel. They are together but apart, they are separated by money choices and pressure from society and themselves. In the face of all these problems young people should be able to make choices.
The induced need of money represented by the credit card, even though he’s not forced to work he needs to. Being with the one he loves is not liveable or reachable because of work to support the ones he loves he cannot stop the wheel. They are together but apart, they are separated by money choices and pressure from society and themselves. In the face of all these problems young people should be able to make choices.
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