Biography
Vicky Barel
Beer Sheva – Israel
Vicky Barel works in the demanding and deeply meaningful profession of social worker and therapist for inmates. This role allows her to actively support rehabilitation and promote profound change in individuals who, often discouraged by their life circumstances, are seeking help. The impact of her rehabilitative work radiates from the individual to the family and the wider community, tirelessly sowing seeds of hope and strength.
In her free time, Vicky devotes herself passionately to photography. Her focus is primarily on the depth of people, the richness of cultures, the complexity of situations, and the authenticity of emotions. Through her lens, it is possible to perceive what is intrinsically reflected in social perceptions, values, and beliefs.
Visio Mentis Project
Catanzaro Ex Stac, March 19–29, 2026
Palazzo delle Esposizioni Ex Stac Catanzaro – 2026
The Project
“Ethiopia: Land, Food, and Rights”
In this work, Vicky Barel explores the complex and often contradictory relationship between nutrition, agriculture, and the condition of women in Ethiopia. The photographic project delves into a reality marked by deep ambiguity: the gap between women’s daily responsibilities and their actual rights in terms of food security.
The documented context is that of rural agriculture, closely dependent on rainfall and based on the cultivation of cereals and legumes. This is a fragile balance, not sufficiently stable to guarantee long-term food security, leaving communities vulnerable to climatic fluctuations and periods of scarcity.
At the center of Barel’s lens is the female figure, an indispensable pillar of the domestic and social economy. Women play fundamental roles at every stage of the food supply chain. They are responsible for direct work in the fields and crop management, for the preparation and preservation of raw materials, and ultimately for sustaining the family unit.
However, this operational centrality is not matched by adequate legal and social recognition. Barel’s investigation highlights how the ambiguity of women’s status prevents equitable access to agricultural resources, creating a gap that undermines the resilience of the entire community.
Through her images, Vicky Barel does not merely observe, but issues a warning: food security in Ethiopia cannot be achieved without clarifying and strengthening the role and rights of women. Her visual narrative thus becomes a tool for reflection on the need to bridge this systemic gap, honoring the strength of those who nourish the nation while remaining on the margins of fundamental rights.
More photographs by Vicky Barel
Jestem zaszczycona i szczęśliwa,że moje fotografie pojawiły się w gronie tak wielu wybitnych artystów w pięknym i historycznym miejscu jakim jest Tropea. Bardzo dziękuję i to ogromne wyróżnienie !
Ho accettato con grande entusiasmo l’invito a partecipare alla mostra VISIO MENTIS a Catanzaro, che rappresenta la mia prima esperienza in una mostra collettiva. Ho avuto il piacere di conoscere il curatore, Marcello Pitardi, grazie alla pagina Pixel Photo Magazine, e abbiamo instaurato un ottimo rapporto. Marcello è una persona precisa e pragmatica, che lavora con efficacia e determinazione. Inizialmente, temevo che la distanza da Bruxelles e i miei impegni lavorativi avrebbero reso difficile la mia partecipazione, ma tutto si è svolto senza problemi. Purtroppo, non ho potuto essere presente all’evento a causa della distanza e degli impegni, ma sono felice di sapere che la mostra ha avuto un ottimo successo e che le mie foto hanno potuto essere viste da decine di persone, condividendo con loro la mia visione della fotografia.
Un evento importante organizzato in maniera eccellente,professionale in una bellissima location. Grande impegno e aiuto da parte di Marcello. Felicissima di aver partecipato
Many thanks to the organizers of the exhibition. Everything was done at the highest level. Special thanks for the work done by Marcello Pitardi. It was a great honor to participate in this celebration of photography
The exhibit at the Museo Diocesano in Tropea was a beautiful blend of history and contemporary vision. Each photographer brought their own style, ranging from street photography to nature and wildlife, creating a diverse yet harmonious collection.
The centuries-old setting added depth and reverence, making the images feel timeless and giving the exhibit a unique and lasting impact.
This exhibition at Ex-Stac in Catanzaro, Italy was a wonderful experience, and I was truly honored to be invited to take part and share my work alongside so many talented artists. The show brings together a diverse range of photographic styles, making it a rich and inspiring collection. A huge thanks to Marcello Pitardi for the fantastic job he did organizing the exhibition—his vision and dedication brought everything together beautifully.
Quando vedi le tue foto stampate, grandi, luminose, esposte in una mostra internazionale, le senti come se vivessero indipendentemente da te. Non ho parole per descrivere l’emozione di vedere la reazione dei visitatori, il loro apprezzamento. E non posso che ringraziare Marcello Pitardi per aver ritenuto la mia storia degna di essere presente qui. Io spero solo di suscitare un po’ delle emozioni vissute. Il libro della mostra è un valore aggiunto che rende permanente la bellissima sensazione vissuta con l’esposizione! La presenza degli altri autori, la descrizione dei loro progetti, apre finestre di esperienze possibili e territori fotografici da esplorare. Un grande insegnamento collettivo!
Sono rimasta entusiasta dell’esposizione presso l’Ex Stac di Catanzaro. Devo dire che la disposizione delle foto e la location sono veramente notevoli. E io ho scoperto molti fotografi che fanno cose molto interessanti. Mi dispiace per chi se la perde per ignoranza e senso di superiorità. Grazie a Marcello Pitardi e a tutto il team per l’impegno messo per la buona riuscita dell’evento.
Międzynarodowa wystawa, która dała wyraz emocjom. Cieszę się, że mogłem być jej częścią i mam nadzieję, że będę mógł współpracować z wami ponownie w przyszłości.
Un événement qui a apporté du prestige aux émotions. Je crois que l’organisation de l’événement a été impeccable dans les moindres détails. Je serai également heureux d’être présent à vos événements à l’avenir.