They can be found in all European countries with a long history. The grand mansions of the rich. The feudal nobles who for centuries ruled the land, had their peasants cultivate it and liked to show off their power by erecting a palace to rival that of the French kings or their own sovereign. Here in the former Austrian Hungarian Empire, just off Lake Balaton stand Festetics-Kastely. Overwhelming in its grandeur. It endured the past decades when Hungary was one of the Eastern Bloc countries where such a building was just a symbol of past oppression. But now restored to its former glory, it once again leaves visitors impressed by the wealth of its former rulers. The princes dukes counts and countesses. Here, the classisian building is lit up in the afternoon sun, making the size and regularity of walls, pillars and windows stand out sharply. Above the roofs a looming sky of clouds. At the end of the hot summer day, thunderstorms threaten. All this also creates a sense of unease. What is behind the walls, what plays and played in the big rooms and halls ? Why do these facades still give the feeling that, as a visitor, you may come here but never really gain access.
My great loves are the water and everything about it. Ships, travel, history and photography. The combination is therefore very common in my photographic work. Most photographs are created intuitively. It is an image that strikes me, usually a combination of form and color in which a.. Read more…