By Lee Moran
|
These stunning pictures show what home life is really like for the richest members of the Roma Gypsy community.
Carlo Gianferro has lifted the lid on the notoriously secretive race to reveal their living conditions are a far cry from the cramped caravans of Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.
His series of 'Gypsy Interiors' portraits show how the often outwardly loud and vivacious people have equally gaudy coloured living rooms and kitchens.
Scroll down for video...
Outrageous: These stunning pictures show what home life is really like for the richest members of the Roma Gypsy community
Decorations: With money seemingly no object, the homeowners are free to colour their homes in exactly the way they wish
Money, money, money: Their accumulated wealth, arguably some of it from ill-gotten gains attained in Britain, is demonstrably on display in their palatial homes and villas in Romania and Moldova
Home time: The interiors of the houses vary, but all have much desired high ceilings
Lifting the lid: Italian photographer Carlo Gianferro has shown how the richest members of the notoriously secretive race live at home
Some are packed full of antique furniture, tapestries, paintings, religious images and china, while others look like they are simply empty spaces waiting to be filled.
Their accumulated wealth, arguably some of it from ill-gotten gains attained in Britain, is demonstrably on display in their palatial homes and villas in Romania and Moldova.
Gypsy Interiors: Some of the homes are packed full of antique furniture, tapestries, paintings, religious images and china, while others look like they are simply empty spaces waiting to be filled
Pastel crazy: The series of pictures show men proudly sitting in their living and bedrooms
All about the dollars: A $ sign is prominent in this Roma hallway as its owners proudly looks on
Big and beautiful? Marble and wooden floors, both costing a fortune, are covered in intricate rugs
Gaudy: The bright pink walls is a key feature to this living room, as are the mirrors and bright lighting
Women are seen sitting on elegant sofas, or portrayed during intimate family moments. Young people are immortalised lounging on beds in their luxurious rooms and elders amongst their mementos.
Earlier this year the Rome-based snapper told klphotoawards.blogspot.co.uk: 'In my projects I particularly focus on people and their communities.
Expensive: The beautiful swirling patterned wooden floor is the main feature of this room
Arty: Scenic pictures of tigers, the Romanian countryside and animals running free adorn the walls of this home
Proud as punch: These two women sit next to a towering fireplace
Rustler: Donning what looks to be a cowboy hat, this boy shows off with a giant bottle of champagne in his living room
Dinner time: This Roma family must be in yellow heaven with the decorations in their kitchen
'They are the ones that shape their surroundings. Either in the positive and the negative aspects it's essential to talk about all the changes people generate in their environments.
'They are impressions of life. I try to see things from different points of view, to get somehow out from stereotypes. In my 'Roma Interiors' series, I showed the Gypsy people in a new way. No more beggars or the poor living in camps.'
Power shower: Hi-tech appliances are the name of the game in this Roma family's bathroom
Winner: Carlo Gianferro won first prize for Portrait Stories at the World Press Photo Awards 2009 for this series of pictures
Hunter: This dining room looks more like a restaurant than belonging in a house
Tapestries: Rugs and intricate carpets take pride of place in this living room
Posing: Valuable works of art lie on a beautiful wooden floor, waiting to be hung
His series won first prize for Portrait Stories at the World Press Photo Awards 2009.
It was also shortlisted for the Grand Prix at Fotofestiwal 2009 and the 8th International Festival of Photography in Lodz, Poland.
Prized: The work was also shortlisted for the Grand Prix at Fotofestiwal 2009 and the 8th International Festival of Photography in Lodz, Poland
Flat-screen: A huge television looms over this living room, the marble floor of which has been covered by a beautiful rug
Intricate: High ceilings and rather toned down pastel colours give this bedroom a classic feel, which is finished off by a wooden wardrobe
Different: In Gianferro's 'Roma Interiors' series, he said he showed the Gypsy people in a new way
Open-eyed: He said he didn't want to show beggars or the poor living in camps in this series
Balcony: This young girl stands proudly at the top of her mansion's stairs, surrounded by mirrors, flowers and a multi-coloured chandelier
Sleepy time: A bedroom fit for a princess, laden with religious artifacts, floral wallpaper and toys
Marble-tastic: This sparkly kitchen comes complete with lights on the glass cabinets
Living the dream: These Romanian mansions are populated by Roma Gypsies
The good life: An exterior shot of one of the Romanian homes lived in by Roma Gypsies
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Such amazing beautiful houses,obviously the homes of cultured civilised people.
- steve, london, 13/6/2012 10:03
Report abuse