Gli Isolani explores the lives of islanders in modern-day Italy, capturing the little-known rituals and traditions inspired by paganism, fables and folklore. Dressed in mysterious costumes and masks these images provide a window into a little known world which seems both historical and contemporary.

Using analogue film with a large format plate camera Tomlinson creates extraordinary almost mythical images set against wild and rugged landscapes. This series provides a connection between people and place providing a rich visual language that reflects the complex history and cross-cultural influences that these lands have experienced. The images blur the boundaries between fiction and reality, artifice and nature.

-Courtesy of HackelBury Fine Art

All images ©Alys Tomlinson