A Snapshot of Baden
La Gacilly Baden Photo Festival 2022
When I heard that the Oldies were heading for Baden, I braced myself for the worst. I was certain that I would be unceremoniously stuffed in a locker while they spent the day luxuriating in the thermal spa. I was, however, pleasantly surprised. His Lordship had read that the annual photo festival was in progress, an absolute must for him. Great, I was going to get to see something of Baden after all!
It turned out that I was going to see quite a lot of Baden in fact. The 1,500 photographs that comprised the exhibition were all displayed outdoors, along a route through town that stretched to 7 km. Now that’s what I call an exhibition and a half!
This year’s theme is ‘Northwards!’ and features some fabulous photos of, yes, the North – Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Greenland… The stark contrast between the chilly subject matter of the photos and the locations where they were displayed – under leafy trees, by ponds and fountains, surrounded by flowerbeds in full bloom under the warm summer sun – made them all the more outstanding.
I noticed that the ‘Nordwards!’ exhibition also went off in different directions, what with so many other photographers covering a wide variety of themes. I particularly liked these stunning photographs of birds. I couldn’t resist making a bit of an exhibition of myself in this photo.
The exhibition turned southwards with these haunting photos taken in Africa…
… and at times went off in the direction of the surreal.
From the ‘Garden Route’ in the Doblhoff and Gutenbrunner parks, we were led into and through the old town centre, giving us a taste of Baden in all its imperial glory. I’d have bet money on it that the Casino grounds would also be full of photo displays. And I’d have won!
I noticed that some revellers at the previous night’s festivities had given this horseman a very generous sized treat…
A couple of days later, the Dynamic Duo announced that they were making a return visit to Baden. I was thrilled at the prospect of another day strolling through those beautiful surroundings, enjoying those marvellous photos once again. But, alas, it was not to be.
I was unceremoniously stuffed in a locker while they spent the day luxuriating in the thermal spa.
