Every two years, the Swiss town of Vevey turns its public spaces and buildings into an open-air gallery, showcasing 50 artistic installations from 21 countries. These free, public exhibitions are part of the Images Vevey festival, which draws photographers and art lovers from around the world. This year’s festival is set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva. A standout piece is a towering six-storey portrait of Martin Parr, a renowned British photographer who recently passed away. The portrait, taken in a beautiful garden that overlooks Vevey, was created by artist Sian Davey. Martin was a beloved figure in the Images Vevey community, having exhibited his own work multiple times. It’s fitting, then, that his image anchors this year’s theme, "We Are Family." Sian and her family created the garden as a place of personal significance, and it appears in her portrait of Martin as well as in other photographs on display, making it a true family project.
This year’s festival features many projects that explore themes of family, love, and loss. Barbara Davatz’s series As Time Goes By captures the evolving relationships of couples who visited her studio over three decades. Her photographs, unadorned by props or elaborate staging, offer a raw look at the shifting dynamics of relationships and the passage of time. The images invite viewers to reflect on the nature of family and how these bonds change over the years.
Another highlight is Martina Bacigalupo’s Showing How Big the Sky Is, a vibrant and humorous series that documents ten years of communication with her former nanny, Chiou Taur Wu, whom she calls "auntie." Chiou Taur Wu, born into poverty in Taiwan, left her home to marry an Italian sailor but faced hardship when he accumulated gambling debts. She spent 32 years caring for Martina and her brother before returning to Taiwan at the age of 70 to start a new life. Now, through WhatsApp and Skype, she shares stories and photos with Martina, creating a joyful and affectionate connection that bridges generations.
Karolina Wojtas’s project delves into the complex and often messy world of sibling rivalry. As a child, she was terrified of having a sibling, even expressing violent thoughts to her parents. When her brother was born, the family dynamic became turbulent. Her photographs, taken with her brother in a staged playroom, mix humor, tenderness, and moments of cruelty, offering a candid look at the challenges of growing up together. The images are presented in a chaotic, playful setting that reflects the reality of sibling relationships.
The festival also features the work of photojournalist Stacy Kranitz, winner of the Images Vevey book award for her project Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down. Her work explores the history of the Appalachian people in the United States, tracing their journey from early pioneers to modern-day struggles with poverty and isolation. Drawing on historical photographs and newspaper reports, Kranitz questions the role of photography in shaping public perception. She highlights the exploitation faced by Appalachian communities by mining companies and the enduring impact of systemic inequality. Her photographs of Pat Greene and his family reveal a cycle of deprivation that continues today, challenging stereotypes and drawing attention to the need for support and change.
Images Vevey Festival Celebrates Family Themes with Diverse Artistic Projects
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