PHOTOGRAPHY MONOGRAPHS | CURIOUS PHOTOGRAPHY | REPORTAGE | 550BC

Ultra Violent is a visual study that focuses on the appearance and behaviour of die-hard football fans, known as Ultras and Casuals.  Both are closely related to one another but not interchangeable.  Ultras dress identically by using the club colours and do everything to create an atmosphere with vocal support, taunts, lighting smuggled-in flares, waving giant flags, and spending thousands on massive banners. Their own banner is likely a military herald, and they will fight to defend it when necessary.

Casuals, however, are a more violence-motivated subculture typified by hooliganism and the wearing of black-coloured designer clothing such as Stone Island and CP Company. Initially, a way of dressing so authorities wouldn't identify them as a football hooligan outside the match.

Men join these groups and riot for fun and because it's an instant way to feel they're connected to a community. The antisocial kick is like doing drugs: bad for you but addictive.  Violence produces endorphins and lets their adrenaline flow. It's like sex - you live in the moment. Some groups are more noteworthy than others.

Links to criminal organisations or political ideologies are not uncommon among casuals and ultras.