Series description
Tony brought nuts home, claiming Rosemary gave them to him, though she existed only in his dreams. Adolf and Raúl lost their home to arson over land disputes. María, an emigrant, left her son Emilio in Galicia; years later, Emilio succumbed to alcoholism, a widespread issue in rural Galicia. Sabucedo’s wild horses face shrinking roaming space due to eucalyptus plantations and rural abandonment. The village of Aceredo, submerged by the Lindoso reservoir in 1992, reemerges during droughts, symbolising Galicia’s struggles.
Once a climatic refuge, the extreme weather now faced by Galicia in northwest Spain is depleting its reservoirs and weakening its ecosystems. Severe drought has revealed villages that were once submerged below the surface of reservoirs, while eucalyptus plantations reduce biodiversity, intensify wildfires and limit the space available for the region’s wild horse population. As residents abandon the land, Beyond the Lake explores the pressures that endanger Galicia’s future.
Biography
I'm interested in the origin of time, gravity, the creation and destiny of the universe, and human emotions. My work focuses on Russia and Galicia. I Published in National Geographic, Stern, Geo, or Vanity Fair, exhibited at the Hermitage Museum, and was awarded by POYI and MIFA. In my free time, I like to read (especially Russian and Eastern literature) and make abstract oil paintings. Furthermore, I am a lover of the Tarkovsky universe and a fan of the progressive metal band Tool.
Beyond the Lake
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Galicia, a woman poses in front of a meadow at the edge of a wooded enclave. The vegetation, a testament to Galicia’s historical abundance of rainfall, unfolds before her. The essence of Galicia’s enduring green legacy, shaped by the perennial rains that have blessed the region, is embodied in the silhouette of this woman.
Curbián, Galicia.
© Carlos Folgoso Sueiro, Spain, Shortlist, Professional competition, Perspectives, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Beyond the Lake
In 1992, the Lindoso reservoir submerged the town of Aceredo, on the border between Galicia and Portugal. That day froze the town in time, marking the end of an era for its inhabitants. Three decades later, drought has nearly drained the reservoir, exposing the remains of lives that once thrived there. In this photograph, the remnants of a house in one of these villages serves as a reminder of the neglect that has befallen the entire region.
Aceredo, Galicia.
© Carlos Folgoso Sueiro, Spain, Shortlist, Professional competition, Perspectives, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Beyond the Lake
Wild horses have a strong connection to the history of Galicia. However, in the last 50 years, the wild horse population has been reduced by more than half. Contributing factors include the abandonment of rural areas, deforestation due to fires and the planting of invasive species.
Sabucedo, Galicia.
© Carlos Folgoso Sueiro, Spain, Shortlist, Professional competition, Perspectives, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Beyond the Lake
Maria had her only son, Emilio, when she was 26 years old. The poverty of the area led Maria to emigrate to Germany, leaving her son behind, to be raised in the home of his alcoholic uncles. Emilio eventually succumbed to alcoholism as well, and although he started his own family, his struggles with alcohol never ceased, leading to his death at just 50 years old. He died shortly after Maria returned from Germany.
Atás, Galicia.
© Carlos Folgoso Sueiro, Spain, Shortlist, Professional competition, Perspectives, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Beyond the Lake
The remains of this bridge are reminiscent of the Christian ‘Bridge to Hell,’ a metaphorical bridge separating the world of the living from the world of the dead. Galicia is known for its deep-rooted beliefs and is steeped in mysticism. Legends of witches, spirits and sacred rituals have shaped its cultural identity, blending pagan traditions with Christian spirituality.
A Reloeira, Galicia.
© Carlos Folgoso Sueiro, Spain, Shortlist, Professional competition, Perspectives, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Beyond the Lake
After a turbulent childhood, Nacho (now 40) moved to the Galician mountains to live with less dependence on society. He cares for his herd of goats, with whom he shares a special bond: he hugs, talks and cares for them as if they were his children. In these animals he seems to have found the meaning of his existence. Nacho lives in an old stone house without electricity, on a diet of vegetables and goat milk.
Vilar, Galicia.
© Carlos Folgoso Sueiro, Spain, Shortlist, Professional competition, Perspectives, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Beyond the Lake
Sabela plays in the forests of Palas de Rei, hugging a tree – a gesture that embodies the communion of the Galician people with their natural environment. This forest, brimming with life and stories, contrasts starkly with the plans of the company Altri, which aims to build a cellulose plant nearby. The factory is projected to consume 46 million litres of water per day and will promote the expansion of eucalyptus, an invasive species that threatens to reduce biodiversity.
Palas de Rei, Galicia.
© Carlos Folgoso Sueiro, Spain, Shortlist, Professional competition, Perspectives, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards