UN AMORE IDEALE (‘AN IDEAL LOVE’) - CARMINE ROMANO
In ‘Un Amore Ideale’ (‘An Ideal Love’) Carmine Romano (Italy) addresses the Femminielli community in Naples. ‘Femminielli’ is a term used locally to refer to a population of homosexual males with markedly feminine gender expression. The (traditional) Neapolitan popular belief is that Femminielli are a symbol of luck, making them well integrated in society. The concept, however, overlaps with the notions of “gay” and “trans-people” which confounds Western gender categorization as a result. References of the term can be already found in ancient Greek mythology, for example in Hermaphroditus, Aphrodite or Hermes – all-encompassing the equilibrium of the masculine and feminine.
Romano has a strong affiliation with the Femminielli. During his childhood, he used to play with them in his neighbourhood. In this series, he mainly focuses on the young generation. The series is produced in close collaboration with his partner and stylist Roberta Astarita, making the photographs balance on the verge of fashion and documentary portraiture.
You can meet Romano's work and other 99 great photography talents on FRESH EYES book.