
Mans na terra
15 pieces. Ceramic. Variable dimensions. Min: 13x25cm, max: 35x32 cm. 2023
FullHD video 16:9, color, with sound,15’, looped. 2023.
Mans na terra revolves around an ongoing research project in the Varilongo mining area in A Coruña, Spain. For over 80 years, the mountain has been damaged by extensive tungsten extraction, among other minerals. The local population was particularly compelled to exploit this mountain during the 1940s and 1950s as one of the few available means to overcome poverty.
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Tungsten or wolfram was found in different veins throughout the Varilongo mountain, which extends over 8km. The extraction of the material during this time started in a very manual and unorganised manner, as the population tried to extract the material with whatever tools they had at hand. They primarily used two basic tools: a canaleta and a pico. As a result of following these veins, the mountain was heavily damaged, leaving long and deep cracks all over the landscape.
The current investigation focuses on how the landscape was transformed by the hand gestures of the local people and the lasting marks that still remain today.
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As part of the field research, I document what is visible and what remains unseen by repetitively walking around the mountain, using different types of cameras. I try to follow the different galleries and trenches that are still open in the terrain. Since there haven’t been any restoration works, most of these areas are covered by bushes or have been poorly reforested. This poses a great danger to the area, especially to the local flora and fauna.
Recently, extraction has escalated due to the interest of various international mining companies. The area has attracted attention because of the increasing demand for this crucial metal in the industry and construction development, particularly in Europe.
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Finally, an Australian company purchased the mining rights to exploit the area until 2068. In recent years, they have been exploring the possibilities of the existing mine and how to extract the remaining materials inside the mountain. This involves creating new open-pit mining areas as well as two new waste areas, which could ultimately lead to the disappearance of the mountain.
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As of June 2023, after a long fight by ecological groups, they have managed to nullify the Varilongo mining concessions. However, since the company will file a lawsuit, the future of the mountain and its restoration remains uncertain.











