Photographer Solve Sundsbo Unveils the "2026 Pirelli Calendar" in Prague, Czech Republic

Solve Sundsbo Focuses on Exploring the Connection Between Humanity and Nature
Composed of 22 Photographs Featuring 11 Women from Film, Fashion, Sports, and Music

Pirelli announced on November 20 that the "2026 Pirelli Calendar," created by Norwegian photographer and director Solve Sundsbo, was unveiled for the first time at Prague City Hall in the Czech capital on November 14 (local time).

This 52nd edition of the Pirelli Calendar focuses on exploring the connection between humanity and nature, as interpreted by Solve Sundsbo. The protagonists in the calendar are depicted not only as representations of natural elements such as earth, air, fire, and water, but also as symbolic embodiments of more intangible forces like energy, ether, and light.

The 2026 Pirelli Calendar consists of a total of 22 photographs and features 11 women representing the worlds of film, fashion, sports, and music. The participants include Scottish actress Tilda Swinton; British actress Gwendoline Christie; British singer-songwriter FKA Twigs; Italian-American actress and film director Isabella Rossellini; renowned American tennis star Venus Williams; British fashion designer and model Susie Cave (who appeared in Helmut Newton's 1986 Pirelli Calendar and Clive Arrowsmith's 1991 Pirelli Calendar); Italian actress Luisa Ranieri; Russian-born model Irina Shayk; Chinese model and actress Du Juan (who appeared in Patrick Demarchelier's 2008 Pirelli Calendar); Czech model Eva Herzigova (who appeared in Peter Lindbergh's 1996 Pirelli Calendar and Bruce Weber's 1998 Pirelli Calendar); and Puerto Rican actress Adria Arjona.

Regarding the selection of the protagonists, director Solve Sundsbo stated, "I wanted to photograph mature women with experience and depth. Some of the models are people I have long wanted to photograph, and while I have already captured some of them through my lens before, I wanted to reinterpret them for this concept."

He continued, "To bring this to life, I approached some of the models more directly. For example, Eva Herzigova and Susie Cave were photographed underwater, and for Tilda Swinton, I created a small world of her own. FKA Twigs even wanted to become part of the earth by covering herself in sand. Ultimately, the entire process is about dialogue. I want the person to look beautiful, and I hope the protagonist feels as though she has become one with the element."

Director Solve Sundsbo began shooting natural images in April at Holkham Beach in Norfolk, England, and in the Essex countryside, before continuing his work in studios in London and New York. As a passionate technophile and experimenter, Sundsbo used a massive LED screen to recreate his own images of sunsets, clouds, fire, and water as backgrounds for the protagonists. The participants interpreted each assigned element as the artist captured their emotions and unique physical features, resulting in a successful outcome.

Solve Sundsbo commented, "This '2026 Pirelli Calendar' goes beyond the traditional four elements. I did not want to be too literal. I wanted to capture the emotions, instincts, and psychological states that are central to human life."

He added, "This project could be described as a kind of mystery, imagination, passion, a desire for liberation, a bond with nature, and a relationship with time and space-a yearning for freedom, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge. This is the way each of us is connected, wherever we come from. It's an ambitious goal, but one I was determined to pursue."

Finally, Solve Sundsbo shared his philosophy: "I think photography is about longing, exploration, and passion. For me, these things create interesting moments, and releasing them into the world creates a moment to ask, 'What do you think about this?', 'Is this something you find interesting?', 'Is this something you find beautiful?', and so on. I am always taking pictures with my camera or phone, and I see it as a way of understanding the world. Just as writers try to express their experiences through writing, I try to understand the world by capturing it in photographs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.