Everything is colored despite the shadow

2005.
The first of a set of studies on photography as supporting instrument of reflection-action
on the themes and problems of the habitat as well as the transformation of the territory.
As a result of a survey on the social suitability of housing in marginal districts, this reportage aims
at contributing to change attitudes and stereotypes towards the South Polygon in Seville
and the gipsy population living there.
Actually, such photographic survey is the first step of a process in favour of interculturalism and
respect for diversity in our urban contexts.
Between 2005 and 2006, in cooperation with the NGO-D “Arquitectura y Compromiso Social" of
Seville University, two exhibitions were set up to show the first results of the project, focussing in
particular, on “Housing, Participation and Integration”.
The production and dissemination of the project have been sponsored by the Cultural and Civic
Participation Sector of the Andalusian Province and by the Seville Council, which included it the
cultural events scheduled for 2005.

House door
At the end of 1991 Lola was allotted on temporary rent a prefabricated house in Letanias, a hamlet in the South Polygon. The lodging is included in an allotment of twenty prefabricated houses meant for shanty dwellers’ families, who were living in the old commercial stores of la Paz hamlet. Subsequently, when new houses in the district had been made available, she would have been given one.
south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house
Courtyard
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage courtyard
Courtyard with dog and towel
The neighborhood is famous for the greyhound fights that are organized in the most remote area.

The towel laid is a memory for many people from Seville, in fact it represents the mascot of expo 92 which represents he moment of further development of the city and its consequent urban exploitation.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage courtyard expo92 urban explotation
Key ring
Typical Andalusian keychain at the entrance of the house. Next to the key ring hangs the dog leash.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house
Two in the Afternoon,
Inglés

The entrance door to the house is decorated with a curtain handmade by Lola's mother.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light curtain
First European Prize. Lola in backlight
Junio 2006. Contest Onevision 2006: Life is today. Bristol Squibb Meyers.

Lola is a gypsy woman. She has been selling lottery tickets and flowers for ages. I first met her in February 2005, when she, like a real lady, warmly and generously welcomed me into her house, a little shanty in the south polygon, one of the poorest european neighborhood.
prize europe photographic contest gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage
Burned room
On 29th September 2003 a short circuit caused a devastating fire which destroyed most of her house. Before claiming a right to a new house Lola fought to have her own one done up in order to keep on living in the district where she had been born.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
The fire dance
The short circuit started in the double room.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
Conjugal room
The South district offered to cover the expenses for the materials, but the damage was so serious that it was actually impossibile for Lola to pay for the necessary labour costs.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
The cubbyhole
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
Letter to the village Defender.
Since then Lola has been looking for some solutions, coming up against bureaucracy and a long wait, which are unacceptable under such an urgent condition like hers.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
Kitchen floor
A cardboard prevents the rats from entering the kitchen.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
Kitchen accessories
Lola’s house is a real hearth where, both for necessity and affection, you find all the
fundamental objects in their own places, together with the ornaments, always chosen with taste and tact.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
Alice’s Room
Alicia is Lola's little daughter. The poster represents "Camarón de la Isla", a gypsy singer that is a reference and inspiration of the entire gypsy population.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
I love you my dear
Lola's husband one day painted this message in the kitchen entrance.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
Twelve noon
All the curtains in the house are hand-sewn by Lola. The fabrics are scraps left by their mother.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire curtain
Jewel's rings
"New day" is one of the most beloved records of the gypsy artists "Lole y Manuel". It is part of lola's culture, like her earrings. She does not remember why she wrote the number thirteen on Lole's forehead.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire
Sewing
Sew and sing.
Lola always sings, when she sews, when she cooks, when she cleans, when she drinks coffee. It is her way of scaring away evils.
europe gipsy shandy identity neighborhood women south polygon seville stereotypes habitat cultural heritage house colors light fire

SCAMARDI Photography

Everything is colored despite the shadow