Is the Impact of New Energy Sources Purely Positive?

Barefoot laborers use the simplest tools while working in precarious tunnels; contaminated water sources and poisoned wasteland starkly illustrate the massive problems of raw material extraction. The promise of a future powered by "clean, renewable energy" depends on specific materials, some of which are extracted under questionable, inhumane, and environmentally destructive conditions.

Cobalt—an essential element in electric vehicles and smartphones—largely comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the financial benefits of mining activities are disproportionately absorbed by large corporations, leaving only a fraction for mine workers. Monteleone believes it is crucial to expose these inequities in supply chains to truly achieve "better energy solutions."

A Poetic Yet Journalistic Approach to the Relationship Between Humanity and Consumption

"Critical Minerals – Energy Landscapes" presents a visual exploration of mineral extraction sites.

"Through multiple mediums, including photography, video, data, and maps, I aim to engage viewers and offer new perspectives on achieving a more sustainable and diversified supply chain."

The photographer employs a variety of media and perspectives to highlight human stories. His series reveals the dangers of repeating past mistakes in the pursuit of greener energy production, rather than fostering a fair and sustainable future. As a result, scientists, businesses, politicians, human rights advocates, and environmental activists are now questioning the high cost of today’s energy transition.

"Each project has its unique value, language, and purpose. It allows me to develop my practice and collaborate closely with other storytellers to enrich narratives and expand influence. Although the series includes portraits and human scenes, personal stories are mainly conveyed through video. This choice stems from the project's focus and my approach to still photography. While video can portray humanity in more detail and intimacy, still images offer broader storytelling." – Davide Monteleone

Light and Human Emotion Over Color

The "HOME" series is predominantly in black and white. Maria Guțu explains:

"I choose black-and-white imagery because my primary cultural influences come from black-and-white. Since childhood, I have loved black-and-white films and old photographs. In my work, I focus on light and human emotion rather than color."

Her dreamlike black-and-white images resurrect memories—children in nature, traditional clothing, men playing folk music. Yet, the series goes beyond nostalgic recollections. The subjects in her photographs often gaze into the distance, as if searching for something undefined. They appear lost and sometimes display a mix of despair and confusion. Are they on the verge of tears? Where are they heading? What does their future hold? Guțu deliberately leaves these questions unanswered.

Impressively, her photos encompass all generations—children, young adults, and the elderly—who seem to share a common sentiment. Even photos devoid of people play a significant role in the series: a balloon in a puddle, a decapitated statue. What has happened? What does the future hold? A strange sense of melancholy and sorrow permeates work.