i <3 benidorm by hayley jay, 2023 ongoing project.
Photographing Benidorm was a compelling journey through British culture and nightlife abroad. During a four night, mid week holiday at the end of March 2023, the tourist hot spot, dominated by British holidaymakers was awakening for the season. This series is an invitation into the quirks and absurdities that shape the carefree environment. 'i <3 benidorm' tenderly shares an almost nostalgic affection for the holiday aesthetics with a joyful glimpse into the lives of dancers and performers. The undercurrent of British class conflict questions who is deserving of such abandon and desire. Blending liminal spaces with gift shop knick knacks and working class aesthetics, it can be seen that Benidorm's unique energy lives on post pandemic.
