Atlas of the New World

Atlas of the New World is a photographic journey into the future of our planet’s landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes, transformed by the accelerating climate crisis. Unlike traditional photography, which captures the present moment, this project attempts to visualize the future by merging scientific data with artistic vision, presenting what could be described as a “true lie.” By superimposing images of future scenarios onto current places, the project makes the invisible visible, turning abstract concepts into tangible realities. Giulia Piermartiri and Edoardo Delille employ an entirely analogue technique: slides containing future vistas are projected momentarily onto real environments using a flash. As the shutter clicks, subjects remain unaware of these projections, moving naturally within their surroundings. The resulting photographs are the product of this fleeting fusion of present and future, capturing a metaphorical image of a world spinning increasingly beyond our control, overlaid on the reality we know. The images are both captivating and unsettling. Their vibrant colors draw the eye, yet beneath their beauty lies a pressing urgency. This layering of narrative invites viewers to confront the fragility of our ecosystems and the profound implications of climate change. The project portrays climate disruption not only as a present-day challenge but also as a critical question for generations to come. As such, Atlas of the New World transcends art to become a tool for knowledge, bridging science, imagination, and creative expression. Reflecting on the climate crisis as “a crisis of imagination,” as Amitav Ghosh describes in The Great Derangement, the Atlas confronts our difficulty in truly grasping the scale and complexity of environmental change. By transforming data and projections into visceral images, Piermartiri and Delille weave past, present, and future into a dynamic continuum, reminding us that the world is not static but in constant flux. Imagining the future thus becomes an act of resistance, hope, and responsibility. How we envision the future will shape how it unfolds. This is why Atlas of the New World calls us to imagine beyond fear and loss. It offers not only a record of what we stand to lose but a manifesto for envisioning new possibilities. It challenges us to see climate change not just as catastrophe but as a catalyst for transformation, urging collective action toward a more sustainable and hopeful future.