Martin Colognoli
Photographer of Water / Marine Biologist
Art, Science & Commitment
Biography
Photographer of water and marine biologist, I combine art and science to raise awareness of the preservation of aquatic ecosystems and freshwater resources. I founded the NGO Coral Guardian in 2012, aiming to protect coral reefs by involving local communities, particularly traditional fishermen. After more than 15 years working on the preservation of tropical corals, I turned to the protection of freshwater resources and Mediterranean ecosystems, focusing on projects from France.
My approach is based on a fusion of art and science. As a marine biologist, I draw on my knowledge to translate complex concepts into visual works. My creations combine photography and painting, addressing two main themes: coral, nature's miracle and a symbol of biodiversity, and freshwater, an essential source of life for terrestrial creatures, now threatened by human activity.
Do you have a project? Don't hesitate to contact me.
My journey
Born on the French Mediterranean coast, my fascination with aquatic environments led me to study hydrology, marine ecology and tropical coral reefs. My career began in Indonesia, where I ran a marine animal export business before realizing the destructive impact of this activity. This prompted me to redirect my work towards the protection of reef ecosystems, by founding Coral Guardian.
My artistic approach
I see photography as a powerful vehicle for raising awareness of the issues involved in preserving life. My work is imbued with my experiences in the field and my scientific expertise. I draw my inspiration from nature, scientific visuals and the fundamental link between humans and living things. My creations, printed on media such as brushed aluminum, often include pictorial elements that reinforce the message, with each work accompanied by a scientific summary to inform while touching emotionally.
Objectives
Through my projects, I seek to provoke deep reflection on the way we inhabit this planet. Humanity is facing an unprecedented crisis - the collapse of biodiversity and climate change are having a direct impact on all forms of life. My works are a call to action, combining emotion and reason, to remind us that we have a central role to play in protecting our environment and the biodiversity on which we depend.
Artistic inspirations
My work is inspired by the fusion of art and science, particularly in the representation of nature and what surrounds us. Artists such as Ernst Haeckel and Andy Goldsworthy influence me through their ability to transcribe the organic and ephemeral beauty of natural elements.
Photographers like Sebastião Salgado, Gregory Colbert, and Hans Silvester inspire me in their exploration of the relationship between humans and nature, particularly through water and biodiversity. Their commitment to people and living things reflects my desire to raise awareness through art.
Finally, artists like Olafur Eliasson and Tomas Saraceno enrich my approach with their ability to make scientific concepts accessible and emotionally powerful.