What a dream weather to celebrate, on the edge of the ocean, the ten years of one of the most original European festivals. Getxo is still unusual. You access it by subway, coming from Bilbao. People come off for a long walk along the beach leading to the old port at Punta Begoña, a city increasingly invested by the festival. This amazing gallery offering a breathtaking landscape overlooking the waves is what remains of the largest dream of palaces that were the summer homes of the great industrial families of the Basque country. One could say it is a collection of unique and incredible architecture.
This year, birthday oblige, the chosen theme is that of time. The exhibitions are primarily set up outside since there is, except that inside the covered market, not really a worthy showroom . Gable walls, balcony of the town hall, windows of the central square, stack of containers on the waterfront, clever triangles redrawing space become exhibition “places”. An invitation to explore the city, discover images, and indulge in the mildness and questions raised with respect and generosity. This year, for once, Jokin Aspuru, founder and soul of the festival agreed to be its artistic director. He asked for the help of his predecessors who, by increments of three years, had set to music various themes.
For the next edition, and for the next three years , Monica Allende, whose family is from the area, will take over the visual direction. She is known for the outstanding work she has done for years for the Sunday Times Magazine.
We both wish happy birthday and good luck to Getxophoto and to Monica Allende that we will find here in one year.
Christian Caujolle
Christian Caujolle has worked as director of photography at the newspaper Liberation, created the agency VU’, teaches at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure Louis Lumière, in Paris, and is a respected writer and independent curator.
GetxoPhoto
From September 1 to October 2, 2016
Getxo, Basque Country
Spain
http://getxophoto.com/en/
