When the Sea Moves In: Documenting Italy's Changing Coastlines
Six photographers explore the fragile transformation of Italian shores through scientific research and art.
1Artistic Inquiry into Erosion
The project When the sea moves in features six photographers investigating the shifting Italian coastline. Curated by Stefania Rössl and Tommaso Parrillo, the initiative combines artistic vision with scientific research. Published by Witty Books, the five-volume collection documents how human activity and climate change permanently alter fragile Mediterranean coastal ecosystems.
2Laboratory Waves and Sediments
Giulia Parlato’s Atlas undarum utilizes laboratory experiments to visualize coastal dynamics. By reproducing wave movements in controlled scales, she captures the interaction between water and land. Her abstract imagery transforms technical research tools and sediment distribution studies into visual art, making invisible scientific processes accessible to a broader public audience.
3Venice Lagoon's Industrial Legacy
Matteo de Mayda and Amina Chouairi explore the artificial islands of the Venice Lagoon in Lagoonal capriccio. These structures, created for Porto Marghera’s industrial development, now face severe erosion from naval traffic. Their work highlights a fragile, evolving environment that stands in stark contrast to the traditional tourist imagery of Venice.
4Scientific Observation Systems
Giorgio Di Noto’s project Layers focuses on the technical systems used to monitor coastal erosion. His work examines the specific technologies and observational mechanisms scientists employ to interpret environmental changes. By documenting these tools, Di Noto bridges the gap between complex geological data and the public’s understanding of coastal evolution.
5Time and Coastal Decay
Fabio Barile documents the Lido di Ostia, focusing on the slow deterioration of seaside architecture. His series Among captures the transition of structures into sand and sediment over time. Through images of weathered rocks and eroding buildings, Barile illustrates the relentless, often invisible, power of natural forces shaping the landscape.
6Astronomy and Earth Processes
Massimo Sordi’s Rivoluzione examines the cliffs of Ortona in Abruzzo to study the link between celestial movements and terrestrial erosion. His work explores how gravitational interactions influence the shaping of the Earth's surface. This perspective connects large-scale astronomical phenomena with the immediate, physical transformation of the Italian coastal landscape.
7Bridging Science and Narrative
The project does not aim for a single linear narrative but offers a collection of diverse observations. By translating complex technical data into visual stories, the photographers provide a new way to interpret environmental change. This approach encourages public awareness regarding the sustainability of current coastal defense and protection strategies.
8Future Coastal Protection
Understanding these transformations is essential for developing sustainable defense strategies against rising sea levels and extreme weather. The collaboration between photographers and researchers serves as a tool for interpreting environmental data. Ultimately, the project emphasizes the urgent need for informed, long-term planning to preserve the Mediterranean’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Original article: Internazionale — When the Sea Moves In: Documenting Italy's Changing Coastlines