36 Views of Villarrica Volcano

36 Views of Villarrica Volcano represents a multitude of perspectives that, even though they oppose, all converge on the also called Kütralpillán: the “spirit of fire”.

Villarrica volcano has an active lava lake and is one of the few in the world frequently emitting incandescent particles. Located in the south of Chile, in the Araucanía Region, its surroundings were for centuries inhabited by native nations organized into small autonomous groups. When the Chilean state occupied the territory in 1883, the area entered an accelerated transformation process. Today, Villarrica overlooks a diverse human geography. The sharp increase in population, along with the damage caused by industrial activity have caused serious ecological problems.

36 Views of Villarrica Volcano portrays everyday scenes in which Villarrica volcano can be seen. It is inspired by the famous series of japanese prints 36 Views of Mount Fuji by Hokusai. His engravings capture fleeting moments, forming a memory of simple events where people’s relationship with time, the transitory condition of life, is the main subject. 

The diversity of inhabitants of the Villarrica territory manifests itself in the different paradigms that model people’s approach to the landscape. The paradigm of economic growth undoubtedly prevails, but there is an ongoing confrontation between them, which results in a lack of the dialogue, public policies and personal habits necessary to address current environmental problems.

36 people were interviewed. A short passage, literally transcribed, accompanies each photo.

36 Views of Villarrica Volcano represents a multitude of perspectives that, even though they oppose, all converge on the also called Quitralpillán: the “spirit of fire”.