Zoée Gaudion
Entre terre et ciel
Entre terre et ciel
Zoée Gaudion
«Niña, ve y diles a tus padres que cumplan los vecinos la promesa de construir la ermita, pues de lo contrario correrá el volcán de nuevo.»
[Loose translation]
“Little girl, go tell your parents the neighbors must keep their promise to build the chapel, otherwise the volcano will erupt again.”
— A woman in mourning (allegedly Nuestra Señora de los Dolores) to Juana Rafaela Acosta Umpierrez, a nine-year-old goatherd.
Legend of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores
‘Entre terre et ciel’ is an invitation to explore the mystical dimension of Lanzarote—an island where the sacred and the supernatural are intimately intertwined with the transformations of its landscape. This series seeks to reveal the deep connection between the islanders and the mythology of their land, embodied in their devotion to their patron saint: Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (also known as Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes).
More than mere folklore, the legend surrounding the construction of the Ermita y Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores reflects the profound influence volcanic activity has had on local culture and identity. From destruction emerged both spiritual strength and a shared sense of resilience in the face of nature’s challenges. The land, once feared, became revered.
The photographic series aims to move beyond the classical and expected imagery of Lanzarote, far from stereotypical landscapes. By evoking the lingering trace of divine ritual, it strives to capture the imprint of this intimate relationship—often invisible, yet ever-present in the gestures of devotion, offerings, and rituals that shape the lives of locals, and occasionally, of visitors.