Teatro Massimo Opera House Palermo Sicily

I initiated a photography project involving people who gather in or walk through the Palermo piazza outside the famous opera house, Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele.

Sicily has a reputation for "darkness" demonstrated in no small way by the history of the mafia. One of the poorest regions of Europe, it has high unemployment especially affecting its youth, coupled with an ageing population. It is also somewhat out-of-step lagging defiantly behind mainland Italy.

But with this backdrop, I was pleasantly surprised to come across a subgroup of the population daily at the piazza which altered in no small way my initial perception and by presenting such a contrast with the physical surroundings comprising historical buildings and impressive history.

All these subjects were asked to pose with a simple permission-seeking question, and to allow my subjects to pose themselves.

The objective of this project is to surprise our perceptions by showcasing not only the vitality and sense of style but also the uniqueness of the Sicilian people in Palermo.

Photographed during April 2022 and May 2023.

Young Lovers Hand print