Martina Shenal

Secondary Nature (2012-)

Through photography I examine human interaction with the landscape- the ways that we alter, mediate, engage with and represent it. I use an exploratory approach to reveal the intricate systems that act to limit the destructive natural forces of volcanic sites in the Japanese archipelago, Hawai'i, and the Azores. These islands share an infrastructure that is, by necessity, conspicuously engineered and endemic to regions besieged by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, landslides, and tsunamis. 

These images simultaneously reference the manipulation of nature while acknowledging the forces of nature- undersea volcanoes creating islands that appear and disappear; precariously fragile ground and shifting lava beds; geothermal vents and pools. My current focus has shifted to question these 'natural' forces, framing 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.