Martina
Shenal

Secondary Nature

The series Secondary Nature examines human interaction with the landscape- the ways that we alter, mediate, engage with and represent it. Through photography I explore the intricate systems that act to limit the destructive natural forces within volcanic landscapes. These islands share an infrastructure that is, by necessity, conspicuously engineered and endemic to regions that are known for natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis.

The images that I've created simultaneously reference the manipulation of nature while acknowledging the forces of nature- undersea volcanos creating islands that appear and disappear; precariously fragile ground and shifting lava beds; geothermal vents and pools; controlled burns that attempt to mitigate the risk of wildfires. My current focus shifts to frame the work through the lens of a rapidly changing climate, highlighting the accelerated pace and impact of rising seas, hurricanes and super typhoons, and devastating wildfires.