Italian photographer Karl Mancini has created a project about the women of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), titled Dreaming Independence and Peace and first published on Maptia.
“From the simple family mother to the minister of culture and youth affairs, from the common employee in a beauty salon to the head of the supreme court of justice, women are the soul of Karabakh, the strength of this country; in some ministries they account for 80% of the personnel. They dream of independence and peace to build a different future for their children. They love intensely, fight tenaciously, often suffer in silence, and believe in their traditions. They are brave and fragile,” the story says on Maptia.
In a conversation with PanARMENIAN.Net Mancini – who works for Echo Photojournalism and has together with Gianmarco Maraviglia implemented another project in Karabakh, titled Blooming in the Black Garden – said that he has dedicated a major part of his work to female stories, also seeking to prepare a project in a country he loves. And Artsakh seemed to be a natural choice.
His previous project, Blooming was published on Newsweek (USA), Internazionale (Italy) and La Croix (France).
“I believe the women of Artsakh have a lot to say. They support the men on the frontline, suffering in silence and sustaining families alone,” he added.
“One day, I spent several hours with a female friend of mine in a wonderful place in Artsakh in the middle of nature just telling each other stories. I’ll never forget that moment, those simple emotions that should serve as a basis for every kind of relationship,” Mancini added.
“Of course, I do see beauty in women but making a portrait is not just about taking a photo. It’s like a gift that I receive and give back with my story. Everything becomes an exchange of emotions.”