The eighth edition of the Incadaqués International Festival of Photography, held in the coastal village of Cadaqués, Spain, concluded recently, leaving a lasting impression on its attendees. Known for its unique approach to showcasing contemporary photography, the 2024 festival embraced Cadaqués’ surrealist legacy, honouring the spirit of Salvador Dalí and the countless other artists inspired by the Mediterranean town over the decades. This year’s programme featured a rich blend of exhibitions, workshops, and public installations, attracting both international talent and local artists.
Reviving the Spirit of Surrealism
Cadaqués, with its rugged coastline and crystalline waters, has long served as a muse for artists, most famously Salvador Dalí, whose surrealist works were significantly influenced by the region. Reflecting this artistic history, the 2024 edition of Incadaqués chose surrealism as a central theme, exploring the ways in which contemporary photography can depict and distort reality.
Many of the festival’s exhibitions were dedicated to this theme, presenting works that blurred the line between dream and reality. Notable installations included large-scale public artworks that reimagined surrealism in unexpected settings around the town, blending seamlessly with Cadaqués’ historical architecture. These installations invited the public to engage directly with surrealist-inspired photography, making it accessible and part of the town’s cultural tapestry.
Julia Lê
UNITED STATES-FRANCE
Instagram @couinemai
Highlighting Artistic Talent: Key Exhibitions
The Incadaqués Festival has established itself as a premier platform for emerging and established photographers to showcase their work. This year’s line-up did not disappoint, with several standout exhibitions that captured the attention of critics and visitors alike. Among the highlights was an exhibition featuring the work of both established surrealist photographers and newer voices in the genre.
Anna Muller
NETHERLANDS
Instagram @annamullerstudio
Local talent from Catalonia had a strong presence this year, with exhibits that interpreted surrealism through the lens of Mediterranean landscapes and culture. International artists contributed pieces that incorporated digital manipulation and experimental techniques, providing a fresh perspective on surrealist themes and demonstrating the evolution of the style in contemporary art.
One of the most talked-about exhibitions of the festival was held at the iconic Sant Baldiri Church, where a collection of surrealist-inspired photographs was displayed against the church’s whitewashed walls. The setting provided a striking contrast to the dreamlike images, enhancing their impact and drawing attention to the meticulous detail and creativity of the featured photographers.
Workshops, Masterclasses, and Knowledge Exchange
In addition to exhibitions, the festival organised a series of workshops and masterclasses aimed at fostering knowledge exchange among photography professionals and enthusiasts. Topics ranged from traditional analogue techniques to the latest in digital manipulation and surrealist compositional methods.
A particularly popular workshop was a masterclass on landscape photography, led by an internationally renowned photographer who guided participants through Cadaqués’ scenic surroundings. Attendees were encouraged to capture the natural beauty of the area while experimenting with surrealist techniques, blending the real and the imagined.
These sessions provided a unique educational aspect to the festival, allowing photographers to refine their craft and engage in meaningful discussions about the role of photography in representing—and reshaping—reality. Talks on the evolution of surrealist photography were especially well-received, offering insights into how the genre has developed in response to social, political, and technological changes.
Awards and Recognition
One of the festival’s defining features is its commitment to recognising and promoting new talent. The Incadaqués Photography Award, open to emerging photographers, celebrates innovation and technical excellence. This year’s winner, a young photographer whose work explored themes of identity and memory through surrealist manipulation, captivated the judges with their ability to blend technical skill with a deep emotional resonance.
The judging panel, composed of respected figures from the art world, selected winners based on originality and how well the work aligned with the festival’s surrealist theme. The winning pieces will be exhibited in next year’s festival, offering a platform for further exposure and professional growth.
Digital Reach and Global Engagement
Acknowledging the value of digital engagement, the 2024 festival expanded its online presence, offering virtual galleries and interactive elements for those unable to attend in person. This online extension allowed a global audience to experience the festival’s highlights, with virtual visitors navigating digital replicas of Cadaqués’ galleries and open-air installations.
This digital component was particularly significant this year, as the festival ventured into multimedia, blending video and interactive installations with photography. By reaching a broader audience through digital means, Incadaqués positioned itself as a forward-thinking event that embraces both traditional and modern media, making contemporary photography accessible worldwide.
Cultural Impact and Community Engagement
The festival’s influence extends beyond the art world, leaving a tangible impact on Cadaqués and its residents. Local businesses and cultural institutions collaborated closely with festival organisers, creating a sense of unity and community pride. Outdoor installations, in particular, brought photography into the town’s everyday spaces, turning public areas into immersive galleries where residents and visitors could engage with art in their daily lives.
This approach to integrating art with community life has been a hallmark of Incadaqués, and the eighth edition was no exception. Many visitors remarked on the ease with which art became part of their journey through the town, sparking conversations and fostering a deeper connection between the public and the artworks on display.
Looking Forward
As the 2024 Incadaqués Festival comes to a close, organisers and attendees alike reflect on its successes and future potential. With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, the festival has cemented Cadaqués’ place on the global art map. The success of this year’s edition suggests that the festival will continue to evolve, with plans to introduce more interactive and immersive installations that further blur the lines between art, audience, and environment.
In addition, organisers are exploring partnerships with other European festivals to expand their network and bring a wider variety of perspectives to Cadaqués. Such collaborations could enhance the festival’s diversity, adding new voices and styles to the rich tapestry of work on display.
