An immersive photography exhibition by Georgian photographer Maryam Mumladze takes the audience to the significant contrast between the resilience of human-made infrastructure and the ubiquitous forces of nature. Maryam started on the photo project in August 2023, when she arrived in Switzerland for her artist-in-residency.

In just three days after her arrival, a massive debris flow struck Shovi in Georgia, the home country of the artist. This profound encounter with the power of nature and humanity's place within it entirely captivated Maryam’s attention, motivating her to shed light on the complex topic of natural hazards and risk management, especially in the ever-evolving context of climate change.

Shifting Landscapes: the nature of risk also serves as the artist's form of self-therapy, as she physically engaged with the risk zones, and willingly placed herself in vulnerable situations. The tangible emotions she experienced while hiking in these perilous landscapes while wearing helmets or crampons allowed her not only to study the subject and create this compelling photo project but also to develop a profound empathy for those facing similar challenges as part of their daily lives.

The heart of Maryam's exhibition lies in the juxtaposition of man-made structures against the backdrop of nature’s landscape. Her photographs encapsulate the complex interaction between human-made infrastructure and the persistent character of the natural world. The images also stand as a powerful recognition of the incredible commitment of field professionals, scientists, engineers, laborers, and artists who work tirelessly behind the scenes to protect people from catastrophes.

Even though the photo project was developed in Switzerland, Maryam's vision extends beyond borders and resonates in Georgia, where advanced monitoring and preventive measures are still in their early stages. The photo story also points out the way forward for governmental organizations, NGOs, and civil society.

Shifting Landscapes: the nature of risk serves as an artistic guidepost, where art, science, and humanity meet to address one of the most challenging topics of our time.

The sound design: Nino Davadze, Sound artists, Experimental electronic music composer. The sound design of the exhibition includes field recordings from the area of research, spoken words, its resonance, and computer processing, which responds to the theme of the exhibition in a sound form as well.

Born in 1996 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Maryam Mumladze is a creative professional based in her native country, with a deep passion for photography, visual storytelling, and the intersection of social issues, art, technology, and digital culture. With a bachelor's degree in social sciences and a master's degree in media arts, Maryam brings a unique perspective to her work that is grounded in interdisciplinary thinking. Her commitment to connecting different fields has resulted in thought-provoking and engaging stories that are communicated through visual media. As a freelance photographer, Maryam has created several photo stories covering a wide range of genres, including documentary, fashion, and conceptual photography.