REFERENCES | martincolognoli

References, collaborations and awards

Over the years, my work has led to collaborations with institutions, NGOs, brands, events, cultural venues, and socially engaged projects. These experiences have shaped an approach that is sensitive, demanding, and deeply rooted in reality.

Coming soon: April 15, 2026 – “Coral - Renaissance” Exhibition – Henry-Lecoq Museum – Clermont-Ferrand

2025/2026 – “Coral” Exhibition – Natural History Museum – La Rochelle

2025 – Monumental format exhibition - #ForCorals Pavilion, United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) – Nice, France.

2025 – Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year – Honorable Mention in the “Creative Vision – Pascal Lecocq Award of Excellence” category.

2025 – Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year – Special mention in the “David Doubilet Portfolio Award” category.

2025 – Group photographic exhibition - Coral theme – Klimahaus Bremerhaven – Bremerhaven, Germany.

2025 – “Coral” Exhibition – CNRS - OMER 2024 Paris Scientific Days – France.

2024 – Exhibition “H2ORIGINE” – Lyon Contemporary Art Biennial - Resonance – Plasma – France.

2024 – Exhibition “Night of Time” – Heritage Days - Saint Jacques Chapel - Lambesc - France.

2024 – “Coral” Exhibition – Natural History Museum – Nantes.

2023 – Exhibition “H2ORIGINE” – OMART Gallery – Lyon – France.

2023 – Exhibition “Night of Time” – Museum of Textiles and Decorative Arts – Lyon – France.

2023 – Exhibition “WE ARE CORALS” – Comédie Odéon – Lyon – France.

2020/2022 – “Coral” Exhibition – Oceanographic Museum of Monaco – Monaco.

2022 – Exhibition “WE ARE CORALS” – SOFFFA Exhibition Hall – Lyon – France.

2022 – “Coral” Exhibition – Nausicaa – Boulogne sur mer – France.

2022 – “Coral” Exhibition – Cité de l’océan Museum – Biarritz – France.

2022 – Exhibition "Water-Beyond" – EXIB Gallery – Lyon – France.

2019 – Exhibition “The Foam of Change” – Exhibition Hall, 3rd Arrondissement Town Hall – Lyon – France.

2019 – Exhibition “Coral, a jewel in peril” – Océanopolis – Brest – France.

2019 – BEHOND the STREETS Williamsburg Brooklyn – New York – USA.

2018 – Exhibition “Coral encounter” – National Gallery of the Cayman Islands – Cayman Islands.

2018 – Exhibition “Coral, a jewel in peril” – Oceanographic Museum of Monaco – Monaco.

2016 – “Coralogy” Exhibition – Trocadéro Museum/Aquarium – Paris – France.

2015 – Exhibition “Coral in Light” – Belvedere Cultural Centre – ST Martin d’Uriage – France.

2014 – Silver Palm for Short Film – World Festival of Underwater Images – Marseille – France.

2013 – Heart, Light & Shadow installation – New York Design Week festivities - ICFF - ABC ft. Coral Guardian - 888 Broadway, second floor - New York - USA

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Some testimonials received along the way

Robert Calcagno

Director General - Oceanographic Museum

As part of its thematic program dedicated to coral (2020-2022), the Oceanographic Institute collaborated with the Coral Guardian association and exhibited at the Oceanographic Museum more than twenty large format photographs by Martin Colognoli, photographer and marine biologist, co-founder of the association.

This "Coral" exhibition complemented the existing exhibits by illustrating on-the-ground efforts to reef reefs in Indonesia. It immersed visitors in the fragile world of coral reefs, highlighting the harmony between humans and nature through a message that was both urgent and hopeful. Thanks to the quality of Martin Colognoli's photography and the efficiency and adaptability of the Coral Guardian teams, the exhibition was a great success with visitors.

Philippe Guillet

Director of the Natural History Museum of the Nantes metropolitan area

In 2023, the Nantes metropolitan museum gave pride of place to marine environments by presenting "Ocean, an unusual dive" exhibition designed by the national museum of natural history and "Coral", the photographic exhibition by Martin Colognoli, founder of the Coral Guardian association.

Martin's large-format photographs, capturing the beauty and fragility of coral reefs, captivated the audience and highlighted the urgent need to protect these ecosystems. The exhibition, complemented by a fascinating lecture from Martin about his experience and commitment to reef conservation, was a resounding success.

Thank you, Martin!

Marina Palacios

Founder - Director of Coral Soul

Martin Colognoli is able to raise awareness and bring people closer to the sea with a unique artistic and scientific perspective. His photographic work conveys to the public the beauty and importance of the oceans and coral reefs.

Guillaume Leymonerie

Founder of H2O at home

8 years of collaboration between Martin and my business group… the warmth of this relationship, both with the Coral Guardian association and with Martin, is as pleasant as swimming in Flores; a clear, lively relationship that strengthens over the years.

The goals are common: to cultivate responsible engagement in service of what man can do good, to repair through the wisdom of sensitive souls and personalities like yours, determined to act.

Thank you Martin for sublimating your experience of coral restoration through art; your photographs allow everyone to travel and better understand this anthology of coral life and its benefits for us earthlings... congratulations on continuing to live your dreams; they inspire us.

Charlotte Coquillard

CSR Manager - Oé for good

Thank you, Martin, for speaking about corals and all your commitments, which resonate with what we at Team Oé believe in. The protection of biodiversity and the marine ecosystem, and its highlighting through your photographer's eye, captivated us throughout your presentation.

Go for it if you are a company and want to raise awareness among your employees, or even for a moment with committed friends: you'll love it!

Olivier Detournay

President of the NGO Coral Guardian

I had the immense pleasure of working alongside Martin for many years. As a member and president of Coral Guardian, I had the privilege of sharing with him our passion for the oceans, and more specifically for coral reefs. Martin is extremely dedicated to his role, a tireless worker, an excellent manager, deeply committed to his people, a unique communicator, and a great photographer.

Fabienne Ramond

Bernard Ramond

Deputy mayor & mayor of Lambesc.

The mayor and I wish to express our sincere thanks for the magnificent exhibition held in the Saint Jacques Chapel during our Heritage Days. Natural heritage is an integral part of our heritage, perhaps even more fragile…

Your commitment and passion delighted our many visitors.

Looking forward to seeing you again.

José Escaño Roepstorff

Global Development Director -Marine Conservation Institute

Martin Colognoli combines rigorous scientific knowledge, strong creative sensibility, and a genuine ability to transform complex subjects into accessible and impactful narratives. He works diligently, with collaborative intelligence and a knack for dialogue, in diverse and international contexts. I highly recommend him for roles that blend science, storytelling, project coordination, and public engagement.

A universe capable of engaging in dialogue with demanding worlds

My career connects fieldwork, photography, marine biology, exhibition design, science communication, and visual creation. This cross-disciplinary approach has led me to work with very different people, but all united by the same need: to create images, stories, or visual experiences that are powerful, accurate, and memorable.

My references

Would you like to imagine a project together?

Exhibition, conference, visual project, artwork, private collection or tailor-made collaboration: I would be happy to discuss your needs, your location or your intention with you.

Contact me