In 2014, documentary photographer Cris Toala Olivares witnessed from up close the eruption of the volcano Tungurahua in Ecuador. He was overwhelmed by the enormous forces that were released from the core of the Earth. People who had been living on the fertile flanks for ages were forced to evacuate – something that they did reluctantly, despite the imminent dangers.
Toala Olivares was grabbed by this close encounter, and decided to take a more detailed look at the different relationships that people – all over the world – have with the volcanoes in their vicinity. He visited thirteen volcanoes, from Iceland to Indonesia, and stood literally on top of his giant subjects. He talked to residents who lived on or under a volcano, and who would never leave their beloved yet threatened homes.
From these experiences, Living with Volcanoes was born, a collection of powerful photographs that document the impact volcanoes have on people and their surroundings.
1. Ecuador, Tungurahua
2. Indonesia, Sinabung
3. Cape Verde - Fogo
4. Ecuador - Cotopaxi
5. Guatemala - Agua
6. Indonesia- Agung
7. North Korea - Mount Paektu
8. Indonesia - Krakatoa
9. Italy - Stromboli
10. Italy, Mount Amiata
11. Ecuador - Imbabura
12. Iceland
13. Netherlands - Zuidwal
Amsterdam-based Dutch-Ecuadorian documentary photographer Cris Toala Olivares (1982) travels the world, both chasing his own stories and following world news. His vision and perspective have earned him numerous awards, including a Magnum Photography Award. He is also a popular speaker, for example at TED Talks. He now works for major media such as Reuters, National Geographic and Der Spiegel.