Gypsies by G. Galitsin

They wander the fields and streets of Europe. Their history is little known, except that some believe they come from an ancient stock of Romanian peasants who spread out across the continent to avoid the persecution of medieval overlords. Their traditions are largely shrouded in mystery.

What is known about them is that they love freedom and all its pleasures. Throughout Europe they are known for being excellent dancers and musicians. They also make their own clothes, giving them a distinctive look. Finally, they are proponents of free love and leisurely ways. Their young women grow up very fast at the festivals they hold around the campfires at their secret meeting places.

And who better to depict this wild gypsy spirit than two of Met-Art’s most classic young models, Julia and Valentina. Galitsin, their photographer, has always been an expert and conjuring images from historical periods and social movements, and this series is no different. Looking at these two young vixens playing in nature is like having a private viewing into young female gypsy life.

One immediately wonders, what are they doing back there, behind the hay? Young girls go hiding about for so many reasons. Sometimes it is to meet young boys, and sometimes it is to meet each other. From the looks of these darlings, it could be for both.

And what has Galitsin done to give them the gypsy mystique? The straw hats are a dead give-away, so are the free flowing hand-made skirts. No shoes and no shirts is classic gypsy liberation as well. But more than all
these set elements, there is the mood of the piece. A lazy day, lounging about, touching each other, thinking of nothing but how to have some fun. These are the qualities of the gypsies that make them so loathed by some, and yet so loved by others.

The gypsies represent in our modern age the belief, still alive in many hearts, that life is for pleasure. They do not give in to clocks and schedules and pay checks. Rather, they prefer to wander, sleep where (and with whom) they will, paying only mind to their moods inside them and the weather outside them. They are a lusty race, with rich blood and adventurous spirits. And Galitsin has captured this perfectly. Julia and Valentina are the epitomes of sexy young gypsies. Wouldn’t you like to find them camping one night in your backyard?