Davide Monteleone On His Exhibition Critical Minerals—Geography Of Energy At MUDEC
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Published21 Nov 2024
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Author
As the recipient of the 2024 Deloitte's Photo Grant, Monteleone's research into the human and environmental costs of renewable energy is on display at MUDEC, Milan until 15 December 2024.
Ciao Davide, how did you develop an interest in renewable energies and their geopolitical implications?
The initial spark for Critical Minerals—Geography Of Energy stemmed from observing the drastic changes in the global energy landscape. The paradox struck me: while the drive for renewable energy promises a greener, more sustainable future, it also spurs a massive demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. This demand often shifts the burden of extraction onto communities in the Global South, raising critical questions about justice, environmental cost, and the potential repetition of exploitative patterns. The project evolved to explore these layers of complexity and contradiction, particularly focusing on how the quest for sustainability impacts communities and ecosystems in mineral-rich regions like Chile, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
How did you approach and develop the research aspect of this project?
It required extensive research on multiple fronts—geopolitical, environmental, and social. I collaborated closely with local storytellers to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in each setting. Fieldwork was essential, involving on-the-ground exploration of mining sites and interviews with workers and local residents. I sought to capture both the human and environmental consequences of mining through first-hand accounts, historical data, and visual documentation. This multidimensional approach helped bridge the technical aspects of energy transition with the very real human narratives on the ground.
Can you tell us more on your visual strategies and why you considered them proper for this body of work?
Combining multiple visual strategies felt essential for a project as complex as this. I employed a blend of aerial photography, digital stitching, video, and still images to capture not just scenes but entire narratives. For example, the aerial shots offer a broad, almost haunting perspective of the environmental degradation surrounding mines. At the same time, close-up portraits of local workers and community members bring the human toll into focus. I also collaborated with local storytellers to ensure a more authentic portrayal. This layered approach aims to communicate the scale of environmental impact while also grounding the story in the faces and lives of those affected.
How did you engage with local workers and communities on the field?
Establishing trust was paramount in each location. I spent time listening to the workers’ and community members’ stories, understanding their perspectives on how mining affects their daily lives and future prospects. I also made a point to collaborate with local photographers and journalists (Cristobal Olivares, Guerchom Ndebo, Muhammad Fadli) which enriched the narratives with perspectives from within the community rather than an outsider’s gaze. This collaborative approach was crucial in conveying the stories with authenticity.
Why did you decide to work across continents, and how do different stories converge in your narrative?
The decision to work across continents was driven by the interconnected nature of the critical minerals supply chain. The energy transition relies on materials sourced globally, often from regions far removed from the technologies used. Each mineral has its story shaped by its extraction's unique social, economic, and environmental factors. For instance, the lithium extraction in Chile’s Atacama Desert reveals a paradox of water scarcity in one of the world’s driest places. At the same time, cobalt mining in the DRC highlights profound human rights concerns. When woven together, these diverse stories reveal a broader narrative of global interdependence and the ethical costs associated with clean energy production.
How did the Deloitte's Grant support the whole process? Can you describe how the collaboration developed, month after month?
The Deloitte Award was a recognition I received after completing Critical Minerals—Geography Of Energy, rather than direct project support. It was an affirmation of the work's significance and the powerful impact of the visual and narrative elements on audiences. The award reinforced the importance of addressing global issues like the energy transition through storytelling and allowed me to share the project’s findings on broader platforms. This recognition has opened new doors for presenting the work and engaging with individuals and organisations committed to sustainability and ethical energy practices.
Are you planning to keep developing the project?
The project is complete; however, I remain open to expanding it with new narratives or additional branches in the future. There’s an ongoing need for awareness around energy transition's social and environmental implications. Critical Minerals—Geography Of Energy may evolve to address other regions, minerals, or technological shifts as the landscape continues to change. For now, the project is a comprehensive exploration, though future developments are possible.
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Critical Minerals—Geography Of Energy by Davide Monteleone is on show at Mudec Photo until 15 December 2024, within the framework of the Deloitte's Photo Grant 2024 exhibition. Monteleone's project, awarded in the 2024 Nominations section, is displayed alongside "Dust from Home" by Fernanda Liberti, which received the 2023 Grant in the Open Call category. The exhibition is open Mon 14.30 - 19.30, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun 09.30 - 19.30 and Thu, Sat 9.30-22.30, with free entry.
Deloitte's Photo Grant, established in 2023 by Deloitte Italy S.p.A. S.B., under the patronage of Fondazione Deloitte ETS, is a project developed in association with Black Camera, a webzine and organisation that covers the full spectrum of photography and develops corporate and communication projects for institutions and businesses. Find out more on their website.
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Davide Monteleone is a visual artist, researcher, and National Geographic Fellow whose work spans photography, visual journalism, writing, and interdisciplinary projects. His practice explores complex themes, including geopolitics, geography, identity, data, and science. Though rooted in the tradition of documentary photography, Monteleone is drawn to intangible themes that, in his view, reveal essential questions about contemporary society. His work combines pedagogical insight with interpretative storytelling, encouraging viewers to question, investigate, and reflect. Monteleone sees his role as a “curiosity trigger,” inviting audiences to look beyond the surface and engage in a deeper exploration of the world.
