Yemen - Sana’a, classée au patrimoine mondial, photographiée par Bruno Morandi
Parution AUTRICHE - Chefchaouen, la perle du Rif par Bruno Morandi
Parution AUTRICHE - Guatemala: a symphony of colours by Bruno Morandi
Parution BELGIQUE - Les tableaux du Rajasthan par Bruno Morandi
Rana Tharu: life in colour.
In the far east of Népal, far from Katmandu, legend and history join together to recount how five centuries ago women of royal blood immigrated from Rajasth (India) with their children and servants. Here it is the women who rise up as guardians of the traditions and combat assimilation into an Indo-Nepalese culture. Contrary to other ethnic groups of Nepal, they themselves make their exceptional costume. At a time when the Indian sari triumphs amongst most of the tribes, here, the clothing tradition continues. The design of their very colourful costume, adorned with embroidery and little mirrors, as well as their silver jewelry is very close to the dress style adopted in Rajasthan. Of course, the fabrics and colours change according to current fashions.
Photos and text ©Bruno Morandi/Lightmediation
Contact - Thierry Tinacci Lightmediation Photo Agency +33 (0)6 61 80 57 21 thierry[AT]lightmediation.com
Parution France - DS - Les petites contorsionnistes Mongols de Bruno Morandi
Guatemala: a symphony of colours.
Guatemala is one of those countries where 60% of the population sees, in a way, the world through colours. For more than two thousand years, Mayan fabrics and clothing have served as an artistic support to convey the symbolic representations of their beliefs to the Mayas themselves and to those initiated in their culture: communication in the form of visual literature. We must take into account that the Mayan civilization, which had filled people with wonder and was recognized as one of the great ancient cultures saw a decline in the 9th century leaving scholars perplexed. While few vestiges remain of this greatness, textile art has crossed the centuries. As though, in the course of these rises and falls, a form of resistance implanted itself. As if, generation after generation, the Mayan women had decided to preserve the bond that linked them to their past. And here they wear there clothing as though they were carrying the world on their shoulders, as though they were paying homage to the gods and nature.
Photos and text ©Bruno Morandi/Lightmediation
Contact - Thierry Tinacci Lightmediation Photo Agency +33 (0)6 61 80 57 21 thierry[AT]lightmediation.com
Hijra, “half-women” of Pakistan
Hijra cultivate the secret and the ambiguity which characterize them. They claim to be pseudo-hermaphrodites, victims of the curse of God but most are eunuches. In Delhi, in the elegant and trendy shops of Connaught place, they threaten to undress if they don’t obtain charities. To Lahore or other sanctuary of Pakistani Punjab, they dance lasciviously in rustic “discos” to attract clients. On both sides of the indo-Pakistani border, they are Hijra or Khusra walking in the streets, in noisy groups, dressed in saris or in shalwar kamiz (ample tunic on a baggy pants). They are welcomed everywhere with a mixture of superstitious fear, contempt, amusement, and sometimes respect.
Photos ©Bruno Morandi - text ®Gérard Busquet
