The Wall at the Venice Carnevale - Lost Between Stars and Shadows 威尼斯嘉年華的街頭舞台 - 迷失在星光與陰影之間 ヴェネツィア・カルネヴァーレの壁 - 星と影の間に迷う

Beyond the Masks: Unveiling the World of Venice Carnevale Costumers

The Venice Carnevale is a spectacle unlike any other, a whirlwind of vibrant colours, dazzling masks, and centuries-old tradition. While the city itself provides an unparalleled backdrop, it's the elaborate costumes that truly bring the magic to life. Behind the shimmering silks and feathered masks lies a fascinating world of dedicated artisans, passionate hobbyists, and families steeped in Carnevale history – the Venice Carnevale Costumers.

More than just fancy dress, these costumes are a form of art, a statement, and a glimpse into Venetian history. They are carefully constructed, often taking months to complete, and are imbued with meaning and personality. To understand the Carnevale, you must understand the people who dedicate themselves to creating its visual heart.

The Artisans: Masters of Needle and Thread

Many Venetians, and indeed craftspeople from across Italy and Europe, dedicate their lives to creating these masterpieces. These artisans are the backbone of the Carnevale, passing down techniques and traditions through generations. They are skilled in a multitude of crafts:

• Tailoring: From sumptuous velvets to shimmering silks, these tailors are experts in constructing garments that evoke the elegance of past centuries. They understand the historical silhouettes and construction techniques needed to create authentic period pieces.

• Millinery: Hats are an integral part of any Carnevale costume, and the milliners are responsible for crafting everything from elaborate powdered wigs adorned with jewels to whimsical tricornes overflowing with feathers.

• Mask Making: Perhaps the most iconic element of the Carnevale, masks are painstakingly crafted from papier-mâché, leather, or ceramic. They are then painted, gilded, and adorned with feathers, ribbons, and precious stones. These mask makers often have their own unique styles and interpretations of classic Venetian masks like the Bauta, Moretta, and Arlecchino.

• Embroidery & Embellishment: The fine details are what truly set these costumes apart. Skilled embroiderers add intricate designs, applying beads, sequins, and metallic threads to create dazzling patterns and textures.

These artisans often work in small workshops, using traditional tools and techniques. Visiting these workshops offers a unique insight into the painstaking process and the dedication required to bring these costumes to life.

The Hobbyists: Passion Projects and Creative Expression

Not all costumers are professionals. For many Venetians, creating a Carnevale costume is a personal passion project, a way to express their creativity and connect with their heritage. These hobbyists often spend months planning and executing their designs, drawing inspiration from history, literature, and their own imaginations. They may source materials from local markets and antique shops, adding a personal touch to their creations.

These individuals are crucial to the vibrant atmosphere of the Carnevale. Their enthusiasm and dedication contribute to the sense of community and shared celebration that defines the event. They are living embodiments of the Carnevale spirit, embracing the opportunity to transform themselves and immerse themselves in the magic of the occasion.

Families and Tradition: Carrying the Torch

For some Venetian families, creating Carnevale costumes is a deeply ingrained tradition, passed down through generations. Children learn the craft from their parents and grandparents, inheriting not only skills but also a deep appreciation for the history and artistry of the Carnevale. These families often have their own unique styles and signature pieces, creating costumes that are instantly recognizable and carry a sense of family pride.

This familial connection to the Carnevale ensures the continuity of the traditions and techniques that make it so special. By passing on their knowledge and passion, these families are helping to preserve the cultural heritage of Venice for future generations.

Beyond the Glamour: The Challenges and Rewards

Being a Venice Carnevale costumer, whether an artisan or a hobbyist, is not without its challenges. The time commitment, the cost of materials, and the sheer complexity of the designs can be daunting. However, the rewards are immense. The satisfaction of creating a beautiful and unique piece of art, the joy of participating in the Carnevale celebrations, and the opportunity to connect with others who share their passion make it all worthwhile.

The Venice Carnevale Costumers are more than just creators of beautiful clothing; they are artists, historians, and keepers of tradition. They are the heart and soul of the Carnevale, transforming the city into a living tapestry of colour, history, and imagination. So, the next time you see a stunning costume at the Venice Carnevale, take a moment to appreciate the skill, dedication, and passion that went into creating it. You'll be glimpsing into a world brimming with artistry, tradition, and the unforgettable magic of Venice.

The walls of Venice during Carnevale transform into a living canvas, a riot of color and texture as elaborate masks and costumes spill onto the narrow streets and hidden campi. Forget mundane brick and mortar; the walls become backdrops for theatrical performances, impromptu photo shoots, and the swirling dance of revelers. Intricate masks, from the classic Bauta to the whimsical Medico della Peste, obscure identities and encourage playful anonymity. The crumbling façades of centuries-old palazzi, often draped with shimmering fabrics and festooned with twinkling lights, add an element of historical grandeur to the vibrant present moment, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Every corner offers a new and captivating vignette, turning the entire city into a breathtaking stage for the grand spectacle of Carnevale.

Lost Between Stars and Shadows:

I have been at the Venice Carnevale every year for more than 10 years now.

This year's photo project is done using just a grey wall of a small alley at the Venice Carnevale and using natural lighting only. The wall takes on a color hue reflected onto it from the costumer's dressings. The project aims to showcase a more intimate and realistic side of the costumes. The photo project is an exploration of contrasts - vivid light and quiet darkness.

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...

This is the wall where I spent most of my time in Venice this year...

This is the wall where all barriers between the photographer and the models break down...

This is the real Venice Carnevale...a mixture of masks and painted faces...