Argentina - Matthew Stith — Football Case Study

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Exploration: is a photo series dedicated to the spirit of following one’s whim. Our members will let curiosity lead the way in searching for unique football cultures.

05 ARGENTINA

FCS-ID: 005/MDS20922—355

PHOTOGRAPHER: MATTHEW STITH
LOCATIONS: BUENOS AIRES, ROSARIO
DATE: SEPTEMBER 2022
FCS-ID: 005/MDS20922—355

In September 2022, I embarked on a pilgrimage to Argentina, driven by a desire to capture the essence of its football culture. Growing up in New Jersey, surrounded by a vibrant South American community, I was introduced early on to a deep-rooted passion for the game. Those formative experiences sparked a curiosity about South American football and the profound emotional connection people share with it. With its storied football history and fervent devotion, Argentina felt like an essential destination for both my love of the sport and my craft as a photographer.

Over 13 days, I attended 11 matches and fully immersed myself in the football culture. One day, I was drinking fernet on the streets with Boca fans before the Superclásico; the next, I was savoring steaks at parrillas with the elders of Ferro who shared their football memories. Hearing these stories and witnessing firsthand how football permeates daily life was captivating, revealing the game’s universal and deeply personal significance in Argentine culture.

In Argentina, football is more than just a sport—it’s a living, breathing part of daily life, a common language that unites. My time there deepened my appreciation for how football transcends boundaries and challenged me to capture that raw intensity through my lens. This journey wasn’t just about documenting matches; it was about unveiling the soul of a football-obsessed nation.

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