4 November - 12 December 2008

The Vucciria, one of the oldest open-air markets in the world, survives as a fragile shell thanks to its glorious past. Founded 900 years ago by the Arabs who ruled Sicily, the Vucciria is located on the Piazza Caracciolo, near the river in Palermo. Seen from above the market looks like a dilapidated urban crater. The awnings of the foodstalls are the only sign of life. The fruit vendors, hawkers, fishmongers and butchers that used to trade here have mostly disappeared. Instead the Vucciria has become a refuge for many of Italy's down-and-outs, a patch of asphalt run by drug dealers, desperate junkies, violent mobsters and petty crooks, lost immigrants and sinister perverts. Photojournalist Mauro d'Agati spent 4 years wandering around the old market, living with its inhabitants, witnessing their fights and daily suffering. He captures the tension of extreme poverty and violence that are the daily reality of Vucciria.

Curated by Annie Boulat
Organized in partnership with the Dupon laboratory..

Cosmos Galerie
www.cosmosphoto.com
56 Bd La Tour Maubourg , 7e. Métro : La Tour Maubourg
Téléphone 01 47 05 44 29
Open daily except Sundays, 10.30 am - 6.30 pm. Saturdays 2 pm - 7 pm.
Admission free