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The Italian peninsula features among the very best gorgeous natural beaches across the continent, but it seems intriguing that countless vacationers opt for locations such as this particular one shown here: a peculiar man-made isle featuring synthetic palms. This image is from a project that was highly significant for me. I started it in an era marked by difficulties during 2006 and 2007. I needed to engage in an endeavor that would alter my perspective, how I see things, along with reinvent myself partially.

Delving Into Mass Tourism

I've long been fascinated by vistas, urban environments, and the bond between humans and their surroundings. The topic I decided to examine ended up being mass tourism. My goal was to open our eyes about this odd facet of contemporary life: the reality that people frequently choose to relax in man-made recreation areas as opposed to exploring natural locations.

I wanted to appear like one more holidaymaker. Therefore I would put on swimwear and do similar actions they engaged in.

A lot of travelers want to have a trip to a destination in which they know exactly what awaits them, and will never be surprised or come across unplanned experiences. A significant number also flock to sites they have seen others post pictures of on social media – commonly misrepresenting the true nature of the location. They will snap pictures failing to take the opportunity to truly engage with the place. And today, although tourists do visit a scenic spot, for example a peak within the Alpine range, they expect to find good food on site, alongside background tunes, and high-level service. They want the same comforts we enjoy in metropolitan settings. Yet that isn't the true nature of natural highs, which we should truly visit to find escape, tranquility, and connection with the outdoors.

The Photographic Process

I performed research and took pictures at holiday resorts around the Three Peaks of Lavaredo summits within the Dolomite range, along with aboard liners – a kind of holiday which is growing in popularity, especially among youth. One cruise line allowed me to have one week on a ship, however when capturing images of the funfairs, I primarily visited as a regular visitor as opposed to a reporter. I didn't aim to alter people's behavior by looking overly as if I were doing a job, therefore I'd put on bathing attire just like them and engage in identical actions.

At that time, I worked with a fairly bulky large film camera, which was not the most practical approach to work. Were I executed the same project now, I would probably employ a smartphone – that might represent the ideal means to achieve the shots I desired without causing unwanted notice. The style I used regarding the brightness within my shots is my method of highlighting the peculiar, artificial quality of these places: every element is designed to look ideal and produced with bright hues that attract children.

The Key Element

The female figure in the ebony beachwear serves as a real central presence – the posture she is posed amidst the manufactured ocean staring across the constructed atoll, as though viewing a panorama of breathtaking beauty. The shot was taken perhaps at Mirabilandia's aquatic complex or at the Gardaland entertainment center, both situated in northern Italy. The reality that I'm unable to remember precisely which park without checking is maybe revealing by itself. They're not identical, however they have the same ambiance. Essentially, this place could have been anywhere.