lorenzopoli photography

BABEL'S DEPTHS

Chile — 2023-24 (in progress)

 The Chilean deserts are amongst the driest and most inhospitable places on Earth, yet kindle the human flame for knowledge and civilisation.

 Here, the mysteries of the Earth intertwine with the allure of outer galaxies: as NASA's researchers probe the resilience of life in the harshest terrestrial conditions, questing for Mars colonisation, astronomers delve into the celestial secrets behind the universe's formation, launching human curiosity into cosmic expanses. 

 Meanwhile, the same arid lands pulse with humanity's relentless yearning for progress. For over a century, multinational organisations have mined into the Earth depths, altering the land to planetary extents visible from the lithosphere.

Anthropogenic formations emerge, resembling self-organising swarms of insects seeking sustenance (E. Bonabeau), seemingly echoing the intricacies of biological systems. 

A new subterranean Babel rises from the hollowing out of incommensurable terrestrial voids, where natural resources are extracted and depleted in the unending cycle of accumulation.

How will future generations or an extraterrestrial gaze regard the Anthropocene geoglyphs? Are these portals to our human nature?

"Be still, and the Earth will speak to you" — Navajo | Aboriginal Proverb​​