Burano
Italia
These photographs are part of a body of work I call Italia and are a glimpse into the island of Burano and its beauty. Burano island is a precious place in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, known for colorful homes and lace making. Burano residents describe their home as tranquil but life on the island is not easy.
The colors of Burano houses are subject to a specific color system established by the local government. By complementing their home colors with exterior accessories, residents add a breathtaking touch to the atmosphere of this beautifully colorful town. One of the accessories is “Tenda” which means door covering in Italian. It is used to protect the privacy of a home when the door is left open during the day or at night. I saw all the tendas on the island and learned that Burano tendas are typically made from cotton for durability and come in many palettes and patterns — stripes, florals, and solids. Residents purchase the material of their choice and make their tenda or buy one. Tenda has a cultural and emotional significance in Burano — it is cherished.
It is intentional that this series is not intrusive to the lives of the residents and is designed to protect their privacy.
The photographs represent the authenticity of colors and textures.
