The Italian peninsula boasts some of the most gorgeous coastlines throughout Europe, yet it seems captivating that many tourists opt for locations such as the one shown in this image: an unusual artificial atoll adorned with synthetic palm trees. The image is from a project that became extremely important personally. I commenced it in a time characterized by struggles during 2006 and 2007. I needed to engage in an endeavor that would transform my outlook, how I see things, along with reshape my identity in a way.
Exploring Large-Scale Travel
I've always been fascinated by landscapes, metropolitan areas, and the connection between humans and their surroundings. The subject I opted to focus on was mass tourism. My objective was intended to draw attention about this peculiar aspect in modern society: the phenomenon that individuals frequently choose to vacation within fabricated parks or beaches as opposed to visiting real settings.
I sought to look as if I were one more holidaymaker. So I would put on bathing suits and participate in similar actions they performed.
A lot of travelers wish to take a holiday to a place in which they are certain what to expect, and aren't going to be surprised or come across something accidentally. Many also flock to locations they have seen people share photos about on social media – commonly misrepresenting the true nature of that place. They tend to snap pictures without taking the moment to interact with the place. And nowadays, even if tourists choose to explore an outdoor wonder, such as an alpine region in Europe's mountains, they anticipate to discover excellent cuisine at the location, alongside background tunes, and top-notch amenities. They desire similar luxuries we enjoy in urban areas. However, that is not the true nature of mountains, that we must go to for solitude, tranquility, and bonding with the outdoors.
The Artistic Approach
I performed study and took pictures at holiday resorts around the Dolomite peaks mountains in the Dolomites, in addition to on cruise ships – a kind of getaway that's increasingly popular, particularly for young people. One cruise line granted me to pass seven days aboard a boat, though when photographing the entertainment centers, I generally went in as an ordinary guest rather than a reporter. I did not want to alter the way people acted by looking too much as if I were conducting professional work, therefore I'd dress in bathing attire like them and do identical actions.
During that period, I worked with a fairly weighty professional camera, that wasn't the easiest method to function. If I undertook the same project today, I'd likely use an iPhone – that could be the best way to achieve the photos I desired without causing attention to myself. The style I adopted with the brightness in my photographs represents my way of accenting the odd, synthetic nature of these places: every element is designed to look ideal and created in candy colours that appeal to kids.
The Central Presence
The woman dressed in a ebony beachwear represents a true focal point – the manner she is posed within the artificial water staring over the man-made isle, as if viewing a scene of scenic marvel. This photograph was taken possibly within the Mirabilandia amusement park or in the Gardaland Resort, both situated within Italy's northern region. The fact that I identify for sure which location without verifying is perhaps revealing on its own. They aren't exactly alike, yet they possess a similar atmosphere. In effect, this location may have existed in any location.
