This panoramic black-and-white photograph reveals the full splendor of the Bernina summits , nestled in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The north face of Piz Badile stands out for its striking verticality, making it one of the most famous alpine walls. Only experienced mountaineers dare to tackle the perilous Cassin route. The Pizzo Cengalo, which faces it, still bears the scars of the spectacular landslide that occurred in 2017. These two giants stand proudly on the Italian-Swiss border, in the Val Bregaglia, while Sciora Dafora rises further to the left, outside the frame this image.

This work testifies to infinite patience. The Bernina mountains are several hours' drive from my home, and every expedition requires me to carefully anticipate the vagaries of the weather. Despite technological prowess, nature retains its mysteries and dictates its own rules. For months on end, I travelled, failed, tried again and again, waiting for the ideal conditions to come together. The miracle came in 2020, when the elements orchestrated this exceptional visual symphony. The storm, after having cloaked the summits in a blanket of snow, gave way to an aerial dance between clouds and ridges. The mountain emerged in all its purity, bathed in velvety, caressing light. Contemplating the north face of Pizzo Badile powdered in this way is extraordinary. Like monumental waves crowned with foam, the summits seem to spring from the bowels of the earth to challenge the celestial immensity with their sharp points.

Travelling these miles in the perpetual uncertainty of what fate the elements have in store for my art never weakens my resolve. The verticality of these mountains dazzles me, and their aesthetics are an inexhaustible source of inspiration. This photograph expresses a fierce and solitary nature. How much longer will these suspended faces and glaciers withstand the onslaught of climate change that is inexorably battering them? Are these Alpine summits performing their ultimate ballet for us to marvel at?