Perfect Day
For the annual commission Document Netherlands for the Rijksmuseum, Mounir Raji photographed tourism.
After several pandemic years, during which the industry was largely confined within domestic borders, tourism has now resurged with newfound vigour. What does the tourist look like who seeks out unique experiences with renewed enthusiasm?
While on a cruise, Raji sailed past two Caribbean Dutch islands: Aruba and Curaçao.
His images present a utopian, postcard-like vision of life aboard a cruise ship - from sipping cocktails at sunset to jogging on the deck.
A cruise ship is built for a single purpose: tourism. Tourists step into a safe bubble where entertainment and comfort are arranged for them 24/7. Each day on board is deemed the 'Perfect Day! At the same time, Raji also documents the components needed to orchestrate this perfect day. Consider the impact of tourist activities on nature and the environment, the crew, and the dependence of the local trade.
Landscape / Seascape
The enormous vessel is ever-present on the horizon, disrupting her surroundings. With smoke erupting from the funnel, one might ask what are the impact of these cruises.
Perfect Day
Everyday is the perfect day on a cruise. Everything is planned to perfection because time is especially precious – finding the right restaurant, choosing an ice cream flavour or deciding on an unforgettable experience
Crew
The perfect holiday is made possible by the crew. They cater to every need and whim of the guests. However, these 1200 individuals largely remain invisible to most of the guests during their stay. The anonymity of the staff members is visualised in the series.
Blue Towel
The blue towel is an essential accessory and a ubiquitous presence on a cruise. For me these towels represent safety, security and comfort. They allow the guests to feel part of a community and provide a sense of solidarity and belonging.
Economical Impact
The dependence and impact of tourism on the destination countries cannot be underestimated and must not be forgotten.
For many people, their livelihood depends on tourism.
