BLU - Cuny Janssen

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Whoever visits Naples is captivated by its beauty: the Gulf of Naples, the historic center with its winding streets, and the renowned Botanical Gardens. Cuny Janssen's latest project documents her journeys from April 2012 to October 2013, exploring the various shades of blue that embody the sensory experience of this enchanting city. The blue of the sky—azzurro, turquoise, ultramarine, cobalt, or indigo—has long seduced visitors, including Goethe, who called Naples the "most pleasant part of the journey." Through her paintings, Janssen invites us into a world of children, examining their beauty and mental states. Her ability to capture the essence of childhood earned her recognition as a notable photographer of children. This book is particularly moving, as it portrays not only the Italian middle-class youth but also Roma children, highlighting the stark contrast between their impoverished ghetto life and the city's breathtaking allure. Janssen's experiences reveal the complexities of documentary photography; during her return visit, Roma children recognized her and inquired about school, mistaking her for a social worker. This interaction underscores the empathy that permeates this unusual photo book, inviting readers to reflect on the human condition amidst the backdrop of Naples.