This Perplexing Appeal of Candy-Coloured Aquatic Parks: An Photographer's Viewpoint

The Italian peninsula boasts among the most stunning natural beaches throughout Europe, yet I find it intriguing that numerous tourists choose locations such as the one shown in this image: an unusual artificial isle adorned with fake palms. This photograph belongs to a series that became particularly meaningful for me. I began it amidst a period marked by difficulties back in the mid-2000s. I felt compelled to undertake an endeavor that might alter my vision, my perception, as well as reshape my identity in a way.

Exploring Mass Tourism

I've long been fascinated by landscapes, urban environments, together with the connection between individuals and the surroundings. The topic I chose to examine became mass tourism. My aim sought to open our eyes regarding this unusual facet of contemporary life: the fact that vacationers tend to opt to spend time within fabricated recreation areas rather than visiting real settings.

I wanted to blend in as if I were one more holidaymaker. Thus I'd dress in bathing suits and do the same activities they did.

Many visitors wish to have a vacation to a spot that lets them are sure what to expect, and will never encounter surprises or discover something accidentally. Others flock to sites they've observed others post images from on Instagram – frequently misrepresenting the true nature of the location. They often snap pictures without taking the time to truly engage with the location. And nowadays, although visitors actually go to a natural attraction, like a peak in the Alps, they look forward to encounter quality dining at the location, accompanied by entertainment, and high-level service. They desire identical conveniences we find in cities. However, that does not represent the essence of natural highs, which we should truly visit to find refuge, peace, and unity with nature.

The Creative Approach

I performed investigation and captured images within leisure complexes near the Dolomite peaks peaks in the Dolomites, along with aboard liners – a form of getaway that's growing in popularity, particularly for young people. An Italian cruise line permitted me to spend one week on a ship, though when photographing the amusement parks, I generally visited as just another tourist as opposed to a reporter. I did not wish to affect people's behavior by appearing excessively that I was working professionally, therefore I'd put on swimwear just like them and do identical actions.

During that period, I worked with a quite heavy medium-format camera, which was not the most convenient method to work. Were I did the same project now, I might employ a smartphone – that could be the best method to achieve the shots I aimed for without attracting unwanted notice. The approach I applied concerning the luminosity of my images serves as my technique of accenting the peculiar, artificial quality of such locations: everything is intended to be perfect and produced in candy colours that appeal to youngsters.

The Focal Presence

The woman in the black swimsuit represents a real key element – the way she is posed in the fake sea gazing over the artificial island, like observing a vista of natural wonder. This image was captured perhaps at the Mirabilandia water park or at the Gardaland theme park, both located within Italy's northern region. The reality that I cannot identify for sure which one without verifying is maybe revealing by itself. They are not exactly alike, yet they possess an identical ambiance. In effect, this location could have been in any location.