Mamuthones and Issohadores are 2 very ancient masks which are still visible during the
pagan ancient Carnival held in the small town of Mamoiada (in the mountains of Barbagia,
Sardinia, Italy). Some scholars argue that this rite dates back to the Nuragic Era, as a
gesture of reverence for animals, to protect from evil spirits or to propitiate the
harvest. Whatever the origins, this is a very deeply felt rite which the locals feel very
much a part of their own specific culture.
This is why I decided to capture not the final procession (open to the public) but what
happens before, in the backstage, during the dressing... a very private and secluded
matter that takes over 2 hours and is not open to the public. This is where you can see
what it really means to those who put on the mask... + 30kg of iron bells and goat skins.
Awards AWARDS
• HIPA (Hamdan International Photography Award) 2013 (Dubai) – Shortlisted Finalist – Street Life Category, 2014
• LensCulture Portrait Awards 2014 (UK) – Shortlisted Finalist – Documentary Single Image Category, 2014
• LensCulture – Contemporary Photography 2014 (UK) – Selected as Editor’s Pick – Documentary Category, 2014
• The Allard Prize Photo Competition for International Integrity 2013 (Canada)- 1st prize, 2013
• International Street Photography Challenge 2013 (New York) – 2nd position, 2013
• TBM “Open Portfolio Contest – 2014” (Richmond – Texas) – Winner Individual Image Merit Award, 2014
EXHIBITIONS / PUBLICATIONS
• Solo Exhibition in conjunction with La Biennale di Venezia 2013 – Bangladesh Pavillion
• Presentation/Exhibition at Palazzo Cusani - “Beauty In Hell” Project – Milan 2013
• Published on HIPA (Hamdan International Photography Award) Annual Photo Book - 2013 (Creating the Future) – Dubai
• Published online by National Geographic – The daily dozen
• Witness Journal (N.58) - Official Selection
