While at the library, I glimpsed the cover of Carnival Masks of Venice: A Photographic Essay and simply had to add it to my check-out pile. J.C. Brown’s book is filled with lush photos of masked revelers at Venice’s Carnival. I was surprised by how much the styling reminded me of Goth and Visual Kei.

According to the intro, Carnival can be traced to Green and Roman celebrations. Today, it’s considered a Roman Catholic tradition: a period of indulgence before the start of Lent. Venetians have been partaking in masked debauchery since 13th century; Napoleon banned Carnival in 1797, but it was revived in the late 1970s. Each year, revelers pile on ornate masks and costumes for the public celebration.

I think every item in the Goth dress-up trunk can be found on this pair. There’s a spooky element to masks, especially when the eyes are concealed. The orgiastic gathering in Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut still gives me des frissons.

I love how Brown’s photos bring out every single texture. I feel like I can reach out and run my fingers over the beads, the smooth gold mask and rough trim.

When I saw the look on the right, I thought: Mana-sama! Aren’t these photos inspiring and strangely uplifting? There are more images in the Carnival Masks of Venice book.

I’m happy that you like my new “cute cooking” video – it was enormously fun to make. I’ve been working on some fiction writing lately – also a nice change of pace. It’s good to do many new things, yes? Now Basil Farrow is maoo-ing and I must give him attention!