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Francesco Faraci's 'Malacarne' Documents Palermo's Street Children

publication · 2026-05-05

Francesco Faraci's photojournalism project 'Malacarne' captures the lives of children in Palermo's disadvantaged neighborhoods Ballarò and Albergheria. The term 'malacarne' locally refers to young delinquents and meat unfit for slaughter. Over three years, Faraci gained the trust of these children by spending entire days with them, sometimes even acting as a lookout for petty thefts. His black-and-white photographs alternate between provocative gestures and threatening looks, and scenes of swimming, football, and girls dressed as princesses, set against decaying buildings and car carcasses. Faraci, 32, grew up in a similar neighborhood and identifies with his subjects. The project aims to overcome prejudice by showing the children's vitality and universal emotions. The photobook 'Malacarne' will be published in autumn.

Key facts

  • Francesco Faraci is a 32-year-old photographer from Palermo.
  • The project 'Malacarne' focuses on children in Ballarò and Albergheria.
  • Faraci spent three years gaining the trust of the children.
  • The term 'malacarne' means young delinquents and bad meat.
  • Photographs are in black and white to emphasize subjects.
  • Faraci himself was a 'malacarne' as a child.
  • The photobook 'Malacarne' will be released in autumn.
  • The project documents both degradation and vitality.

Entities

Artists

  • Francesco Faraci

Institutions

  • Artribune

Locations

  • Palermo
  • Italy
  • Ballarò
  • Albergheria

Sources