The Clown at the Venice Carnevale ヴェネツィアのカルネヴァーレの道化師

Amidst the feathered masks and glittering costumes of the Venice Carnevale, the clown holds a special, slightly melancholic place. Unlike the flamboyant and aristocratic figures that dominate the celebrations, the clown's garb is often simpler, relying on exaggerated features and contrasting colors for impact. His painted grin might mask a deeper sadness, reflecting the Carnevale's own duality of revelry and reflection on mortality. He's a reminder that even in the most fantastical of settings, there's room for humor that acknowledges the bittersweet nature of life, a poignant counterpoint to the dazzling spectacle surrounding him.

The flickering gas lamps of Venice cast long, dancing shadows on the cobblestone streets, illuminating the surreal spectacle of Carnevale. But amidst the feathered masks and gilded gowns, a new kind of clown emerged. This wasn't the boisterous buffoon of yesteryear, slapping knees and chasing skirts. This clown was a solitary figure, a mime in stark white makeup, his eyes windows to a profound melancholy. He moved through the throngs of revelers, his movements slow and deliberate, a poignant counterpoint to the frenetic energy surrounding him. Instead of slapstick and gags, he offered subtle commentary on modern anxieties – the alienation of the digital age, the burden of societal expectations, the fragility of human connection – all conveyed through the twitch of an eyebrow, the slump of a shoulder, the delicate manipulation of a single, perfect red rose. His act resonated deeply with some, a melancholic echo of their own hidden fears, while others dismissed him as a pretentious anomaly in a festival meant for pure joy. Yet, night after night, he returned to the Piazza San Marco, a silent jester in a world desperately seeking laughter, even if that laughter tasted faintly of salt.

My Italian friend Teo at the Venice Carnevale in his modern clown costume.

The Venice Carnevale is not solely about masks. Local Italians and an increasing number of foreign costumers now 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...

And as usual, the portraits are just done on the busy streets of Venice and using natural lighting only...It is not an indoor photo studio, there is no artificial lighting, flash or reflectors...With my costumed friends, we just take our street portraiture to an all new level....