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Portrait Martin Colognoli We are corals

Homo
Homo sapiens

 

Awakening our connection to living things
Martin Colognoli, Photographer & Marine Biologist

Art & Science

For over fifteen years, I have been exploring coral, water, and living worlds at the intersection of art, science, and fieldwork. My work seeks to convey and transform perspectives.

Portrait Martin Colognoli photographe de l'eau

A gaze born from water and life

Trained as a photographer and marine biologist, I have developed a unique visual language over the years, nurtured by observation, fieldwork, and a deep fascination with water and coral. These are the two main threads running through my work. They inspire my art, exhibitions, lectures, and visual experiences that connect beauty to knowledge, emotion to sharing, and humanity to a more sensitive way of inhabiting the world.

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From the field to the image

I initially approached the living world through science and action. In 2012, I founded the NGO Coral Guardian to contribute concretely to the preservation of coral reefs alongside local communities. This field experience profoundly shaped my perspective.

Gradually, photography established itself as another way of acting. A way to communicate differently, to make visible what transcends us, and to try to leave a lasting impression in people's eyes.

Today, I develop projects at the crossroads of art, science and visual storytelling: photographic works, exhibitions, conferences, workshops for institutions and companies, as well as signature projects like We are corals or Madame Water.

Training

Marine biology/ecology and coral expertise

2012

Foundation of the NGO Coral Guardian

Ground

Exploration, awareness, preservation, photography

Today

Works, exhibitions, conferences, premium visual projects

Signature

Art × Science × Emotion

Martin Colognoli Exposition

Work driven by field experience and recognized in diverse contexts

Over the years, my work has taken shape through collaborations with museums, NGOs, institutions, businesses, media outlets, cultural venues, and international events. This diversity fosters an approach that is both demanding and accessible.

A dual legitimacy

My work is born from the encounter between marine biology and artistic photography.

A sensitive approach

I seek to convey with depth, restraint and evocative power.

Custom-made projects

Each collaboration is designed according to the location, the audience, the intended use, and the story to be told.

Portrait Martin Colognoli

Origins

Born on the Mediterranean coast, my fascination with aquatic worlds naturally led me to study marine biology, aquaculture, and then the ecology of tropical reefs.


My career began in Indonesia, where I initially worked in the trade of live marine animals for aquariums. This experience confronted me with the reality of overexploitation and prompted me to act differently.

Following this experience, I founded Coral Guardian , an NGO dedicated to the protection of coral reefs in close collaboration with local communities.

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Would you like to discover my offers or imagine a project together?

Exhibition, conference, unique visual creation, custom artwork or project: I would be happy to discuss it with you.

In videos

Et si ce n’était pas à nous de protéger le corail   Martin Colognoli  TEDxGeneva - TEDx Talks (1080p, h264)
Photographe-corail-martin-colognoli
martin-colognoli-en-action-photographie-corail-eau-tirages
Exposition Immersive - Nuit des temps - Par Martin Colognoli
CORAL MASTERCLASS
Exposition We are corals
Exposition photographique EAURIGINE - Martin Colognoli
CORAL REEF CONSERVATION

In pictures

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