Rachel, Roselyne, Roselina, Henri, Evelyne, Marie-Ange and Dominique are between 52 and 77 years old. Equipped with their cameras, they gathered at the belvedere de la Tête de Chien, in La Turbie, about fifteen kilometers from Nice. Below, several buildings in ruins. “These are former Italian military barracks,” says Henri, who has already come. These disused bases are now used as a canvas for
street artists. “This spot is perfect for activity,” says Alexandre, 28, who will be giving an introduction to photography for these members of the Vagues de Soleils association.
“It reminds me of my childhood”
For two hours, these travel enthusiasts will do Urbex, “urban exploration”. A practice that one does not necessarily associate with their generation, and yet… “It brings to mind childhood memories,” says Marie-Ange. We would go to abandoned castles near my grandmother’s house and create adventure stories. We were the kings of the world. It was great even though there was no graffiti like here ”. Henri adds: “The first time we did this kind of activity with the association, it was in Ibiza. We visited an abandoned nightclub, it was fabulous. “In front of a work several meters long, Rachel exclaims:” I would not like to have this done on my wall, but it is nicely transformed. Where these artists do graffiti, they do it well! “
“The technique is good, but it’s the sensitivity that counts”
The playground is validated by the public. Everyone disperses, eyes glued to the lens, to capture the aestheticism of the place “between art, natural light and vegetation”. The teacher of the day alternates between advice and anecdotes to meet everyone’s expectations. “Okay to take pictures, but if they are good it’s better”, Dominique jokes. The oldest of the group has already done two internships in the field. “I got interested in it when my husband died, it was his thing. If he saw me from up there, he would laugh! For her part, Roselyne would like to know how to make portraits “with some blur behind”. Roselina, she wants “things to go quickly”. “If I’m in a vacation group, they’ll already be gone by the time I make all the adjustments!” She laughs.
The group concludes over a drink of friendship that “technique is good, but it’s the sensitivity that counts and above all, the memories to share. “