Human Saturation
Why do we visit places when we are complicit in their destruction?
In traveling and photographing throughout Argentina, I was confronted with humans’ ability to unapologetically saturate our surroundings. This permission we give ourselves to enter ecosystems whether they be in nature or communities, created the basis for this series which shows a progression of cavalier human invasion and exploitation for leisure and consumption.
Playing with my photos from indigenous communities facing increased tourism in northern Argentina, melting glaciers and endangered species in Patagonia, combined alongside an ever-present saturation of humans, my collages are self-critical surrealistic representations of our unhinged role in the world and the irony of tourism.
Just a Reflection
Just a Game
Just a Holiday
Collages include:
The Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s most important sources of water which has recently started to recede due to climate change. It is also catered to massive crowds of tourists who fly from around the world just to see its size and beauty as it slowly melts.
Penguins and sea lions on Isla Martillo in Patagonia, where tour boats pass regularly. The King Penguin seen looking upwards is one of only two on the island — they have failed to successfully hatch an egg because of rising temperatures.
Jujuy and Salta, Argentina. Desert mountains and indigenous towns in northern Argentina are seeing an increase in tourism. The turquoise pools in the Las Salinas Grandes salt mines are one of the biggest attractions, even though mining has contaminated and depleted ground water for local farmers.
Crowded beaches near Mar del Plata — one of the most popular vacation areas in Argentina about 400 km south of the capital, Buenos Aires.