HOMELAND

Year: 2024-Ongoing

Location: Guadarrama national park, MADRID (Spain)

A tribute to the home, nature, and a deep connection with the land.

HOMELAND is a photographic project that emerged within the walls of our home, a sanctuary nestled in a small village in the Sierra de Guadarrama. For Alfonso and me, this place is more than just a house; it is where our lives intertwine with nature, where time flows at a different pace, and where we strive daily to find balance with our surroundings.

Home is often seen as more than just a physical dwelling; it is a place of intimacy and refuge. We retreat here, locking the door against the outside world. Rather than simply an architectural structure, home is deeply intertwined with the feelings and moods that arise from each individual's unique experiences. It embodies care, belonging, and constancy, serving as a foundation for lives that are believed to be safe. Yet, for many, it remains a place of longing or memory, manifesting in its absence.

For years, we have dreamed of creating a project that not only reflects our connection to the landscape but also captures the essence of our everyday life in this extraordinary place. The vision of living in harmony with the land, striving for greater self-sufficiency, and embracing the gifts the earth provides became the seed of HOMELAND. Our home is sustained by several underground wells that supply us with water, and our access to energy and supplies is both limited and intentional. In this environment, scarcity transforms into a source of creativity and introspection.

While home usually evokes an inherent local bond, it is primarily tied to human coexistence. This relationship is fluid; it can evoke feelings of isolation or exposure. The light that filters through our windows, softened by the wood and stone of our home, envelops everything we do. These natural textures not only cradle us but also protect us; they are woven into the fabric of our identity and our story. In a way, every moment here—the life we lead, the work we pursue, the small daily gestures we cherish—is shaped by nature’s presence and the simplicity of what is essential.

This project also pays homage to the people who visit us for various reasons. Like the light that graces our home, they become part of the emotional and human landscape we have woven over time. In contrast to the homes of others and the non-domestic spaces they inhabit, our understanding of home unfolds its socio-critical potential, illustrating how domestic conditions profoundly influence the trajectory of our lives.

HOMELAND transcends mere physical space; it embodies a state of mind, a way of life, and a heartfelt tribute to the place that welcomes us, inspires us, and defines who we are. From this vantage point, each of us gazes out into the world, shaped by the intricate interplay of our environments and experiences.