Man, Water and Fire

Man, Water and Fire is nature before everything! It is will and respect before indifference and speculation.

Man, Water and Fire describes an island, that of Lanzarote, which has managed to maintain its authenticity in much of the territory thanks to the determination of its inhabitants, among which stands out César Manrique, architect and landscaper. Thanks to his vision, the multifaceted artist has helped to preserve the charm of Lanzarote by prioritizing nature over a secure massive construction. Using genius and intelligence, César Manrique was able to grant Lanzarote a value for which, in 1993, UNESCO granted the island the title of Biosphere Reserve.

My first encounter with Lanzarote was in May 2008 during a trip that would also include a few days in Fuerteventura. After a few years, immersed in my thoughts, I was surprised that the only clear memory I had of that trip was that of the volcanoes, cactus, lichens and so much lava circumscribed by an impetuous ocean.

With its white villages surrounded by a black sea of lava, Lanzarote had impressed me. An island where green and shade only exist thanks to the eucalyptus and palm trees that have been planted over the years. I started to document in deep the island in 2018 when I realized that, beside the income is based on tourism, Lanzarote managed to maintain it’s authenticity.

Man, Water and Fire is an ongoing project with which I connect the inhabitant of the island with its surrounding environment. I do this by placing staged portraits that contextualize the subjects in their natural environment, alongside the island's landscapes. A work made with 35mm and medium format analog cameras.

Man, Water and Fire is a tribute to Lanzarote, to those who live it and to those who take care of it.