Emanuele Vara. Born in Palermo, Italy. Based in London, UK.
Inspired by Italian Neorealism, contemporary documentary cinema, Eastern European and Soviet cinematography (in particular, Hungarian director Bela Tarr’s magnificent works), I have documented several European and Middle-East cities and their outskirts. To develop my work, during my travels I followed the theme of “decay”, which I find is still alive and throbbing in the old continent, even in our post-modern, digital age. My series of analog photographs are shot using Ilford black and white 35mm film.
Over the last few years, influenced by old and new worldwide underground cinema and photographers, I have been employing narrative and anti-narrative methods, themes, structures, and aesthetics exploring and investigating what I consider as “unusual” places around the world. In particular, I have had the chance to travel and document urban, industrial and rural sceneries across Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, ex-Yugoslavian nations, Balkan and other former Soviet countries. In both my film and photographic works, I attempt to represent the cultural heritage, industry, political past and the fascinating landscapes of these places. I truly believe that there is a beautiful sense of aloneness, mystery and serenity running through these images.
All images © Emanuele Vara 2019
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