Brais Lorenzo

Series Finalist · Open Call 2024

Brais Lorenzo

In Galicia, northwestern Spain, there is a way of life that is slowly disappearing before our eyes, a living narrative that explains who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. At the same time, in the same place, another scene speaks of recovery and reinvention, of celebrations, traditions, and new uses of the land that transform the concept of emptiness into a space for discussion. Nearly 2,000 villages in rural Galicia no longer have inhabitants. Others are on that path, slowly losing their history. Emptiness is growing, especially in the mountainous areas; a large part of these territories have lost more than 70% of their population in the last 60 years.

This emptiness is not static; it changes, grows in value, and spreads. Quiet hills are replaced by the hum of wind turbines, and fields give way to wildfires. Yet, alongside urban migration and demographic decline, new ways of life are emerging in these villages, a rediscovery of the past, a reimagining of how the land can be inhabited. Against the tide of urban settlement, there are still those in rural areas who believe in the future. In their choice lies determination, romanticism, and hope.

Within this emptiness live those who choose to die where they were born. Those who escape the urban sprawl in search of a slower pace of life. Those who seek a gentler environment in the face of the environmental crisis. In this emptiness exists a way of life that deserves to be told and documented. This is their testimony.

The Eyeshot Open Call 2024 Issue #16 is a limited-edition magazine and photographic collection, showcasing the best in street and documentary photography. Featuring winners, finalists, and honorable mentions from over 15,000 global submissions, this exclusive edition celebrates exceptional storytelling.