Of Kings and Queens 國王與王后 王と女王について

Of Kings and Queens... and Carnival Masks: A Glimpse into the Venetian Carnevale

The air crackles with anticipation. An otherworldly hush descends on the lagoon city, punctuated by the rhythmic slap of gondola oars. Venice, normally a bustling hub of tourism, transforms during Carnevale into a living, breathing stage where history, artistry, and a touch of madness collide. While the name might conjure images of raucous celebrations, the heart of the Venetian Carnevale lies in a more nuanced, albeit equally captivating, tradition: the blurring of boundaries, where for a few precious weeks, everyone can be a king, a queen, or anything in between.

The Carnevale, whose roots stretch back to the Middle Ages, served a vital societal function. Under the anonymity of masks and elaborate costumes, the strict social hierarchy of Venice momentarily dissolved. Servants could mingle with nobles, and critiques of the ruling class, normally whispered in hushed tones, could be voiced, albeit cloaked in satire and wit. This temporary inversion of power, this fleeting taste of equality, is at the very core of the Venetian Carnevale's enduring appeal.

Of course, the "kings" and "queens" of Carnevale aren't necessarily literal monarchs. Instead, they represent the freedom to embody a persona, to inhabit a character far removed from one's everyday life. A humble gondolier might transform into a Doge, adorned in opulent fabrics and a regal mask, reveling in the imagined power and authority. A shy laundress could become a glamorous courtesan, radiating confidence and allure under the watchful gaze of the Adriatic.

The masks, more than just mere disguises, are the key. The iconic Bauta, with its distinct beak-like profile, allowed for complete anonymity, enabling wearers to eat, drink, and speak freely without revealing their identity. The Moretta, a small oval mask of black velvet held in place by a button clenched between the teeth, was favored by women, lending an air of mystery and elegance. And the Medico della Peste, with its long beak stuffed with herbs and spices, serves as a stark reminder of the city's history with the plague, a chillingly beautiful homage to resilience.

Beyond the individual transformations, the Carnevale is also a celebration of Venetian artistry. The costumes are often masterpieces of craftsmanship, painstakingly handcrafted using silks, velvets, brocades, and intricate embellishments. The masks, too, are works of art, meticulously painted and adorned with feathers, beads, and gold leaf. To witness the sheer creativity and dedication that goes into these creations is to witness the spirit of Venice itself.

But the beauty of the Venetian Carnevale isn't confined to the elaborate costumes and intricate masks. It's in the shared experience, the feeling of being part of something larger than oneself. The streets become swirling seas of color and movement, filled with music, laughter, and impromptu performances. From the grand masked balls in historic palazzos to the simple street performances in the campi, the Carnevale offers something for everyone.

As the final days of Carnevale approach, a sense of melancholy descends upon Venice. The masks are carefully packed away, the costumes stored in anticipation for next year. The city slowly returns to its everyday rhythm, the echoes of laughter and revelry fading into the gentle lapping of the waves. But the spirit of the Carnevale lingers, a reminder that for a brief, magical time, the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred, and everyone, for a moment, could become a king, a queen, or whatever their heart desired. And perhaps, just perhaps, that spirit of freedom and creativity can carry forward into the everyday lives of those who experienced its transformative power.

Of Kings and Queens is a collaboration photo project by The Rose Sisters (Mona and Annette) and my Italian friends Arnaldo and Daniel. All are famous costumers at the Venice Carnevale. After being friends and doing photos for so many years, I am concentrating more on non masked costumes and using simple backdrops for my photos. I wanted something simple, something light hearted. I am always amused by the ideas of Twin Kings (just like the Roman Emperors) and Twin Empresses (just like in ancient China)...and then, why not combine Twin Kings and Twin Queens? The pair have been big fans of each others' costumes but have never done a photo session together before...Hence, this little project was born...

As usual, just some simple portraits by the streetside and using natural lighting only.

I have been to the Venice Carnevale for more than 10 years now...after more than a thousand photo awards and some very big photo exhibitions worldwide, I no longer conform to the usual photo locations and stuff most people do. This is a slightly matured piece of photo project, much more personal, but then that's me, or rather us...