Giancarlo D’Agostaro

The tradition of Carnival dates back thousands of years to Pagan and Roman celebrations of spring and fertility. It wasn’t until Christianity arrived in Rome that Carnival became a prelude to Lent – the Catholic observance of fasting and Penance. The current form of Carnival in New Orleans, dating back to the early 1800s, allows the spectator to see the traditions as a form of street theatre. 

While making this body of work during the 2023 Carnival season, I was drawn towards the more subtle and quieter moments within an otherwise chaotic environment. Perhaps this is a reflection of my own experience, but I found it important to humanize the performers and show them as more than just part of the spectacle. By intentionally isolating them from the crowds, using flashes set up on the street, it invites the viewer to engage with the scene and, in doing so, consider the relationship between the performer and their audience.

Giancarlo D’Agostaro (b. 1990) is a photographer born in New Orleans, Louisiana. After documenting his hometown through his early twenties, he moved to Los Angeles, California to further his work. While living there, he gained a deeper appreciation for New Orleans and ultimately returned to continue his practice. His photographs have appeared in a variety of United States and International publications and are included in The Historic New Orleans Collection.