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Masquerade: Carnival in Venice

The city of Venice conjures up images of mystery and romanticism, elaborate architecture, secrets and intrigue, the endless play of light on water and--Carnival. Starting forty days before Easter, the Carnival celebration of this immensely beautiful city kicks off a final fling, a Bacchanalian celebration prior to Lent.

Since the eleventh century, Carnival (Carnevale in Italian) has been a forum for its citizens, along with increasing numbers of tourists, to participate in an ancient tradition of ritual revelry expressed through costume and masks. All levels of society mingled and were rendered one through the disguise of masks, enjoying an opulent display that included exotic animals, clowns and performers. Today Venice, once a great maritime and trading power, is largely a tourist economy but the city's legendary appeal continues to be expressed through the Carnival celebration.

Shirley and David Rowen first discovered the magic of Venice's Carnevale in 1984 and have returned to experience and photograph its magic every year since then. They are fascinated by the ritual and the revelers who have often worked all year on their costumes and make-up, striving to best their own brilliant creations. Their images are an arresting documentation of the spectacle and pageantry of this rich historical tradition. The Rowen's work is a testament to the dedication to artistry and artifice that makes Carnival a fascinating visual experience.

Shirley and David Rowen

Travel photographers Shirley and David Rowen document and write about festivals around the globe. Their work has appeared in books and magazines worldwide. Currently touring the country is Carnival, organized by the Museum of International Folk Art, featuring Carnival in eight cities in Europe and the Americas. The Rowens have contributed a selection of photographs for that exhibition and a book in conjunction with the show. Their first book, Carnival in Venice (Harry A. Abrams, 1989), while no longer in print, is available as a collectible.

Specifications

Contents:
35 framed 16 x 20" color photographs; introductory text; wall panels, i.d. labels.

Participation Fee:
Please contact info@subjectmatters.info for details.

Running Feet:
Estimated 140 linear feet.

Category:

CULTURE and TRADITION

Documentary photography; cultural rituals; social history; festivals; costume design; tourism.

Security:
Full-time.

Shipping:
Host venue to pay for round-trip shipping with the exception of consecutive bookings, in which case consecutive venues share the cost of the venue-to-venue shipping leg.

Subject Matters Contact:
Deborah Gangwer

DESIGN BY PORTAL


	Rosie Carrara, a costume designer, lives in the fishing village of Jesolo, Italy near Venice. She arrives for Carnavale annually along with a group of friends who all wear costumes that she has designed.


	Helga Muellner, Vienna, Austria 1997. The colors and hats of Helga's costumes change every year.


	A bauta Pizza San Marco 1986 The bauta costume dates back to the end of the seventeenth century. Its name comes from the lacy headcovering (bauta) worn with a black three-cornered hat, black cape and white ghost-like mask covering half the face. Initially, this masquerade was worn by men of various social classes, but by the mid-eighteenth century women had adopted it as well.


	The Jollys have attended Venice Carnevale for nearly twenty years, bringing with them at least four costume changes for each celebration. To plan their themes, they meet annually on the beach near Grosetto in Tuscany. "Jolly" member costume designer, architect Rolando Borasto, translates their ideas and sends each member a subsequent packet of materials, sketches and instructions. This is followed by several weekends together at the home of their leader, Dr. Maurizio Malossi, where the work continues.


	JonBeau Lee, 2003 - This film producer, videographer, mime artist and dancer from Santa Monica, CA. draws upon the art of Joan Miro for his costume design. He appears every year at Venice Carnevale wearing at least 5 costumes. He also attends Carnivals in Viareggio, Italy and Basel, Switzerland.


	Flavia Bonara, from Florence, Italy, is costumed as a butterfly in front of the Doges Palace. 1997


	Los Medico dea Peaste (the Plague Doctors) In the time of plague this costume was a disguise to hide the identity of a physician who, by visiting plague victims, might be exposed to contagion. The staff was used to remove the clothes of the patients, thinking that in this way the epidemic would not bring harm to the doctor.


	Laura Stocco Castelfranco, Italy 2001


	The pinguini (penguins) Ferrara, Italy 1988


	Nino Bolgan, a Venetian postman. 1990