The Italian peninsula boasts among the very best breathtaking coastlines in Europe, yet it seems captivating that countless vacationers opt for places like the one shown here: a peculiar man-made atoll featuring synthetic palms. This picture belongs to a project which proved extremely meaningful to me. I commenced it in an era marked by struggles during the mid-2000s. I needed to pursue an endeavor that might alter my vision, how I see things, as well as reshape my identity partially.
Exploring Large-Scale Travel
I have consistently been drawn to scenery, cities, together with the relationship linking people and the spaces they inhabit. The topic I decided to examine was mass tourism. My aim sought to raise awareness regarding this odd element today: the reality that people frequently choose to spend time in man-made recreation areas rather than experiencing authentic ones.
I sought to look as if I were another tourist. Thus I'd put on bathing suits and do the same activities they did.
Numerous visitors wish to go on a holiday to a spot where they know exactly what awaits them, and will never find the unexpected or discover anything by chance. Others visit sites they've observed others post pictures of on Instagram – often distorting the actuality of that place. They will take their photos without the moment to connect with the environment. And nowadays, even when travelers choose to explore an outdoor wonder, like a peak in the Alps, they look forward to discover quality dining at the location, with entertainment, and high-level service. They want identical conveniences we have in cities. Yet that does not represent the true nature of alpine environments, that we ought to explore for escape, calm, and connection with the outdoors.
The Creative Process
I performed study and photographed in vacation parks near the Dolomite peaks mountains within the Dolomite range, along with aboard liners – a type of getaway which is growing in popularity, especially with younger generations. A certain ship company allowed me to have one week aboard a boat, however when photographing the entertainment centers, I generally entered as just another tourist instead of a reporter. I did not aim to change people's behavior by looking too much like I was working professionally, hence I'd dress in beach clothes like them and perform the same activities.
During that period, I utilized a rather bulky medium-format camera, which proved not to be the most practical method to function. Were I executed the same project in the present, I'd likely employ a smartphone – that could be the ideal way to capture the shots I desired without causing unwanted notice. The style I used with the luminosity in my photographs is my method of highlighting the strange, artificial quality of these sites: each aspect is designed to be perfect and created with bright hues that attract kids.
The Focal Presence
The lady wearing the dark bathing suit serves as a true focal point – the way she's standing within the artificial water and looking out across the constructed atoll, like viewing a panorama of scenic marvel. The shot was captured possibly within Mirabilandia's aquatic complex or at the Gardaland Resort, both located in the north of Italy. The truth that I cannot recall exactly which location without confirming is likely significant by itself. They're not identical, but they share a similar vibe. Essentially, this place might have been anywhere.
