Nicola “Ókin” Frioli, born in Rimini, Italy in 1977, is an independent photographer who has spent the last two decades capturing the essence of indigenous cultures, human rights issues, and environmental concerns. Educated in Fine Arts at high school, he further honed his skills after receiving a scholarship to the University of Image in Milan. Nicola's journey has taken him to diverse corners of the globe, including India, Pakistan, Mexico, and the Amazon jungle in Ecuador. For the past 17 years, Nicola has called Mexico home, finding inspiration in its vibrant landscapes and rich cultural diversity alongside his loyal dogs. Nicola’s work has graced the pages of esteemed publications such as Time Magazine, The Guardian, and Stern, as well as El País Semanal and the Washington Post blog, breathing life into untold stories and shedding light on the human condition with authenticity and respect. He has showcased his work in prestigious group exhibitions across the globe, notably at the Festival Photo España in 2009, Paris Photo in 2018, the Zoom Photo Festival in Canada in 2021, and Photoville in New York in 2023. Among Nicola's notable achievements is his acclaimed project "Piatsaw," which sheds light on the indigenous resistance against mining and oil extraction in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This project has earned him recognition in numerous international competitions, culminating in the prestigious "Award of Excellence" mention in the "World Understanding Award" category at the Pictures of the Year 2024 (POY).