il viaggio
La Valligia del Sogni...
A few years ago, I first noticed Gianni sitting alone outside Cafe Florian...
He sat there pensively, absorbed in the privacy of his inner world.
Our eyes met, he seemed to understand that it wasn't his clown face or costume that drew me in, but the depth of his solititude....
I wanted to ask him for a photo opportunity then, but I held back because it was the last night of Carnevale, and I only shoot in natural lighting....
This year, we met again during Carnevale, so I had the honor and pleasure of photographing Gianni in his classic clown costume.
Gianni is a veteran costumer at the Venice Carnevale, his signature style is his drum, which he uses as a standing platform. He can be seen frequently at San Marco's square, performing to the crowds. His act is silent, and his movements graceful and manly,in many instances like that of a body builder...
The Venice Carnevale is not solely about masks. Local Italians prefer historical costumes or painted faces. During Carnevale, the whole Venice becomes a real life theatrical stage, and many of these historical costumes carry deep perspectives...
This is my 11th year at the Venice Carnevale, increasingly I am being drawn towards the non-masked subjects...slowly...and as Gianni says - the journey, the valley of dreams....
He calls the series Acquerello
Great men and great costume, it is a very poetic communication, I love him!