Luca Battaglia Illuminates Carousels in Captivating Long Exposure Series

In his ongoing photographic project titled Ticket non remboursable, Italian photographer Luca Battaglia reimagines the carousel, transforming these whimsical attractions into striking visual representations of light and movement. Using long exposure techniques, Battaglia captures the essence of carousels as they spin through urban landscapes, evoking memories of his childhood in Milan.

Transformative Technique

Battaglia employs long exposures of 20 to 30 seconds to create his unique images, utilizing ND256 or ND1000 neutral-density filters. This process allows the moving carousel to leave behind trails of light, as the horses and decorations blur and fade from view. The result is a set of photographs that depict ethereal forms resembling floating architecture rather than the traditional, stationary carousel.

A Circular Journey of Memory

The title Ticket non remboursable reflects the inherent circularity of a carousel ride, symbolizing journeys that ultimately return to their starting point. This concept mirrors Battaglia's exploration of memory, where he revisits his childhood carousel memory, now lost yet persistently echoed in the carousels he encounters across various cities. Each new location presents a distinct interpretation of the carousel, yet the essence of memory remains intact.

Imaginary Constellations

As Battaglia continues to expand his series, which now includes over 50 photographs, he captures the fleeting nature of these attractions. Although carousels are inherently transient, his long exposures create a sense of permanence, transforming the ephemeral into the memorable. Battaglia’s work acts as a visual metaphor for memory itself—blurred, altered, and eternally resonant.

Source: www.designboom.com