Spurring action and not letting people lose hope: these are two great purposes of the work of the Mexican artist and photographer Cristina Mittermeier. Her shots tell of that part of the world, especially the indigenous peoples, which still glimpses the connection between all forms of life, from ocean creatures to us human beings. But they also portray nature without catastrophism to build the imagination of “a future that I would like to inhabit”, as she confesses in a video documentary on her work that enchants visitors to the Gallerie d’Italia in Turin, where until 1 September 2024 there is the first retrospective in Europe dedicated to her, entitled «Cristina Mittermeier. The great wisdom», in collaboration with National Geographic.
A journey dedicated to thatenoughness that we have lost: that profound awareness that to be serene and at peace, we actually need much less than what social media and advertising suggest.
Mittermeier, among the cultures you have known, which ones still remember that the planet is one large, beautiful but fragile ecosystem?
«Indigenous cultures share a belief system that revolves around respect and veneration of nature. Their guiding principle, “take only what you need and use everything you take”, is the basis of life and behavior. This ethos it is deeply rooted in their way of life, especially in cultures that have oral traditions. For example, Sundance Chief Rueben George of Canada’s Tsleil Waututh First Nation explains their mythology that all things and creatures are made of the same stuff as their ancestors. According to their way of seeing the world, rocks, ravens, rivers and whales are made of the same substance as people. Perspectives like this have allowed indigenous communities to coexist harmoniously with nature for centuries.”
Why is it so difficult for many of us to interpret our lives as a set of actions that produce impacts on the planet and on people?
«Humans naturally tend to form tribes and prefer those within the circles closest to them. We often show support for people who share where we live, what we look like, our religions. Being part of a global culture that emphasizes individualism, personal success, and a self-centered mindset prevents us from recognizing the impact of our actions on others. We often prioritize our comfort and well-being over that of others, especially if those others are different from us.”
Can photography help us change our approach towards the planet and towards others?
«My photography is a reflection of my desire to encourage connections through empathy and understanding. With my images I aim to convey the message that despite our differences, we are all fundamentally similar. I go to great lengths to capture moments that remind us of our place in the larger ecosystem of planet Earth, emphasizing our shared experiences such as birth, laughter, tears, and the complexity of joy and suffering. We all belong to families and experience both kindness and cruelty. In essence, we share the universal human experience of mortality.”
And getting to the essence, what do we discover?
“That how we treat others throughout our lives is what truly matters. It is not my intention to accuse or blame, but rather to gently remind those who view my photos that our actions have a profound impact on both humans and animals, and that acts of charity and kindness can leave a lasting positive mark on the our planet.”
How do you invite people to action without bordering on psychological terrorism?
«I too, like others, feel anxious when faced with the dose of violence, cruelty, indifference and rejection that we hear in the news every day. Sometimes my mood borders on depression. But I understood that to get myself out of that darkness, action is needed, and the choice to remain hopeful is a powerful motivator. Many environmentalists before me (and still today) have resorted to what you aptly call “psychological terrorism.” I’ve seen how that approach often drives people away. When we confront people with guilt and blame, they usually step back and put their foot down to justify their way of life.”
What is most effective in your opinion?
«I find that it is necessary to recognize the seriousness of the situation without resorting to catastrophic or dramatic statements. What matters is to portray a vision of how much better the future can be and then outline the possible simple actions and choices a person can make every day. The choice to have hope is the simplest and most important we can make.”
