A young Italian named Dario, right, performs at a party in Rome in 2015. Photographer Gianluca Abblasio has been documenting the aspiring rock star's life in a photo series called "I Am Dario."
A young Italian named Dario, right, performs at a party in Rome in 2015. Photographer Gianluca Abblasio has been documenting the aspiring rock star's life in a photo series called "I Am Dario."
Gianluca Abblasio
Abblasio followed Dario and his friends for the photo project.
Abblasio followed Dario and his friends for the photo project.
Gianluca Abblasio
"It's a story that wants to show something about my city Rome and this area that is a working-class area," Abblasio said. "Something that is not the stereotype of Rome -- something different that is not shown very often by mass media, but that is real."
"It's a story that wants to show something about my city Rome and this area that is a working-class area," Abblasio said. "Something that is not the stereotype of Rome -- something different that is not shown very often by mass media, but that is real."
Gianluca Abblasio
Abblasio first met Dario in 2011. "I really thought that this young man had something special," Abblasio said.
Abblasio first met Dario in 2011. "I really thought that this young man had something special," Abblasio said.
Gianluca Abblasio
Dario looks at used albums in 2014. Abblasio said Dario was inspired by David Bowie when he was very young.
Dario looks at used albums in 2014. Abblasio said Dario was inspired by David Bowie when he was very young.
Gianluca Abblasio
A view of Rome's Torpignattara district, where Dario works at a bingo hall.
A view of Rome's Torpignattara district, where Dario works at a bingo hall.
Gianluca Abblasio
Dario dances on a table at the bingo hall.
Dario dances on a table at the bingo hall.
Gianluca Abblasio
A bingo machine spits out numbers.
A bingo machine spits out numbers.
Gianluca Abblasio
Dario leaves the bingo hall in 2014. He has been working there for years.
Dario leaves the bingo hall in 2014. He has been working there for years.
Gianluca Abblasio
Dario does his makeup in a car.
Dario does his makeup in a car.
Gianluca Abblasio
Dario's friend Antonella performs with Dario at a private party in 2015.
Dario's friend Antonella performs with Dario at a private party in 2015.
Gianluca Abblasio
Dario dances in a Rome club with some friends in 2011. "When I saw him (for the) first time ... I (saw) a person that is followed by many," Abblasio said. "A kind of magnetic energy that can influence other people."
Dario dances in a Rome club with some friends in 2011. "When I saw him (for the) first time ... I (saw) a person that is followed by many," Abblasio said. "A kind of magnetic energy that can influence other people."
Gianluca Abblasio