BEYOND THE SURFACE
“Beyond the Surface” is a visual documentary project that explores the fascinating world of Alpine lakes.
By observing them, the project highlights the transformation of the Alpine environment due to climate change and human activity.
The Alps are a massive water resource with thousands of lakes (both natural and artificial). They play a central role in Europeans’ lives, especially as we shift toward cleaner energy. Additionally, melting glaciers are making Alpine lakes vital water reservoirs.
Although researchers consider Alpine lakes critical indicators of climate change, the public needs to learn more about their nature compared to other more well-known crucial environments such as glaciers and oceans.
What is the future of Alpine Lakes? Why are they so crucial for the environment and us?
This project takes you on a journey through the Alps, transforming data and topics from relevant scientific papers into images. It shows how Alpine lakes provide essential ecosystem services, such as supplying water and energy, maintaining habitats and species, and generating various cultural ecosystem services, such as aesthetic values, opportunities for recreation, education, research, nature observation, inspiration, and heritage.
Visually speaking, “Beyond the Surface” uses three perspectives— aerial, human, and microscope —to present a complete and variegated portrait of an Alpine lake and its environment.
The body of work consists of a classic photographic sequence accompanied by a series of microscope and satellite images.
The project aims to captivate the audience with the fascinating Alpine environment and, as a result, create greater curiosity about issues that are usually discussed only by scientists. This work isn’t just for experts; it’s for everyone who looks at the environment ecologically and sustainably, who loves the Alps region, and who wants to know it deeply from a scientific point of view. For this reason, the aesthetics of the images are useful for scientific dissemination.
“Beyond the Surface” reminds us of our connection to the environment. It promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Alps, where science meets visual storytelling to help us understand and protect these unique places.