1st Place winner
Yggdrasill
DESCRIPTION
For this peculiar image, captured during the eruption of Litli-Hrùtur, I chose the name Yggdrasill. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasill represents the cosmic tree that sinks its roots into the realm of the underworld, while its branches reach out to support the worlds, giving them life.
Being in a country so rich of myths and legends, faced with a phenomenon as incredible as it is beautiful and frightening, I could not help but witness this resemblance.
The ‘roots’ of the volcano sink underground, through the crater of the eruption, just as those of Yggdrasill sink into the underworld. From there, a mighty river of lava is born, which, like the trunk of a tree, separates into numerous branches, almost shaping a crown of molten rock. These golden, glowing streams, like the branches of Yggdrasill, create, sustain and transform our world.
AUTHOR
Matteo Strassera is a young nature and landscape photographer born in Rome, Italy. Matteo’s profound passion for the wilderness draws him away from civilization, allowing him to immerse himself in the beauty of untouched landscapes, from the rugged Icelandic panoramas to the vast Arabian deserts. His work captures the awe-inspiring vistas of nature at all hours, showcasing the transformative effects of light and shadow.A master of aerial photography, Matteo offers a unique perspective that elevates his art, providing viewers with breathtaking views from above. His deep connection with Iceland, a land of dramatic contrasts and ethereal beauty, is a recurring theme in his portfolio. Frequent travels to this northern paradise enable him to document its majestic landscapes, from volcanic terrains to glacial wonders.
Matteo’s photography is a testament to his dedication and reverence for nature, inviting audiences to experience the world’s natural wonders through his lens.
