Strada Lautariilor or the village of Taraf de Haïdouks

by Klaus Reimer (Germany-Belgium)

“Strada Lautariilor” (rue de la musique) or the village of Taraf de Haïdouks

The artist Klaus Reimer took these black & white photographs in 1989 in the village of Clejani, about 30 km from Bucharest in Romania.
The communist dictatorship had just fallen and liberated free speech, while maintaining the social benefits of the fallen regime for a few months. The result was a relative recklessness reflected in these portraits. Klaus froze life in the “Lautars” district of the village. The Lautars are a “caste” specialising in music within the Roma community. Some of them will form the famous band “Taraf de Haïdouks”.

It was by chance that photographer Klaus Reimer’s van stopped in front of the Sandu family home, while he was looking for Ion Manole.
Nicolae Neacsu was the patriarch and established himself as the locomotive of the future Taraf of Haidouks band with his violin endowed with the famous horsehair.

Gica Manole was adjusting the wedding dress to her little girl. Photographer Klaus Reimer asked if he could take a picture. She agreed on one condition: that he first draw her portrait as a bride, which will cause several undressing and dressing.

Nicolae Neacsu is teaching Antonel.

Tantsa is one of the few Romanian women to have married a Roma. In this case it is Hodja, Marcella’s brother, a formidable accordionist involved in Taraf from the first moments.
Here she has their son Antonel photographed.

Marina’s kitchen

© photos: Klaus Reimer

About the artist

Degree in journalism and communication (ULB 1982), photography school of the City of Brussels 1987,
Main exhibitions: Maison Haute (1988 & 1991), Galerie Verhaegen (1996), Brussels, Galerie Off, (1997) Paris,Mois de la Photo 2008, Paris, Barbican Center (2000), London, Zuid Pers Huis, Zomer van de Fotografie (1998), Antwerp.
Publications: Agence Belga, Le Soir, Geo, Télérama, INA, Le Vif, l’Hebdo de Lausanne
TV: CNN (2000)
Artists commissions: Wim Van de Keybus, dance, Fonny Jeziersky, sculpture, Marianne Berenhaut, installations, 2000)