Man and Earth
In a time of climate emergency, pressure on essential systems—energy, water, and food—has intensified, deeply tied to humanity’s impact on the planet. My project, Man and Earth, captures this pivotal moment, exploring the complex relationship between humans and geography—how people interact with, and are shaped by, their environment.
This work culminated in the release of my second photography book, Man and Earth, in 2023, which documents the climate crisis from both historical and geographical perspectives. The project investigates how geography, culture, politics, and historical processes are inseparably linked to a people's identity. Through my lens, I sought to capture the human condition—how we access and manage essential resources across diverse regions, and how these practices are globally interconnected.
The “stress nexus”—the interdependence of water, energy, and food—has become increasingly strained by climate change, defining an era known as the Anthropocene. During this period, human technological advancement reached unprecedented levels, profoundly altering nature and intensifying the pressure on vital systems. My work highlights the fragmentation of the planet and the resulting tensions, echoing geographer Milton Santos, who observed that no part of the Earth escapes human influence.
Man and Earth is a long-term documentary and artistic exploration that investigated, witnessed, and documented the critical relationship between humans and geography during this complex transitional period. The project reveals not only the rupture and erosion of geographical and cultural references, but also the resilience and determination of those who inhabit—and give meaning to—these landscapes, despite the mounting challenges posed by climate change.
Between 2018 and 2020, I traveled across South America to capture these stories in simple yet profound images—depicting everyday life in the Amazon, deserts, and urban centers, as well as broader issues such as deforestation, energy production, migration, and the struggle for survival. These photographs form a visual atlas, offering insight into our shared history and geography, while prompting reflection on our future.
Supported by the Pulitzer Center / Rainforest Journalism Fund, this work contributes to anthropological, sociological, economic, geographical, and historical discourse, offering a vital resource for understanding the complex interplay between humanity and the Earth.
