Tyla Fergusson-Platt interviews photographer Cristina Mittermeier as part of Hemeria Publishing’s Frieze Week takeover of Shreeji Newsagents in London (15th – 17th October), for her new book Hope.

In a world of growing inequality and social tensions, climate change has become an afterthought on the political agenda. Trump has ripped up America’s climate agreements and China has reopened its coal mines.

In light of this, Bridget Arsenault (host of Hemeria’s Frieze week takeover) asks Cristina, ‘how do we have hope in the world we are living in right now?’

Hope, Cristina Mittermeier’s new book, is the culmination of 30 years of hard work in the industry. The focus? The precarious relationship between humans and the environment.

It is a crisis that is teetering on a knife edge.

A crown-shaped iceberg drifts under the soft glow of an Antarctic sunset.

Is there still Hope for reversing climate change?

The question lingers after Bridget presents it to Cristina. It feels like there is a collective sigh in the room, not just in regards to climate change, but in the general state of the world at this moment.

‘Where do you find hope in such hopelessness? The truth of it is its in the front lines, not for glory, not for money, to try to do a little bit of whatever’s in their possibilities.’

The last point is crucial. At a time of a cost of living crisis, climate change can feel a far off impossible task for those struggling to pay their bills.

An emphasis on doing what you are able to do is essential in bridging the gap for an open dialogue.

The Bahamas is the only country in the world to declare its entire marine habitat a shark sanctuary.

Hope – The culmination of a 30 year career

In several decades Cristina has travelled the continent’s of the world gaining an invaluable insight into the nature of the earth and the people that inhabit it. Her background as not only a photographer, but also as a Biologist adds depth to her knowledge of the climate crisis.

Her life began in Mexico, a time when photography wasn’t on her radar as a future career.

‘The expectations even though they’re not spoken about, is that you’re going to stay nearby, and you’re going to take care of your mum, get a nice career, but really be a wife.’

Expectations though were massively exceeded. In her time growing up in Mexico she gained an undergraduate degree in Biochemical engineering in Ocean sciences at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey and began her career as a marine biologist at Conservation International Mexico.

Her life changed when she met her first husband, where she began a new chapter of her life in the United States. A life she led there for 22 years. She tells the intimate gathering at Shreeji Newsagents that she has recently revoked her American citizenship. A rebellious stand against the Trump administration.

It is an aspect of her personality that becomes more revealing as the interview progresses. Her ability to stand up for what’s right.

Brightly dyed feathers and carefully crafted adornments made of seashells, made this Papua New Guinean woman and her compatriots stand out in a crowd.

Her new book, Hope, encompasses this strong moral compass that has guided her through much of her life.

Cristina shines a light on the indigenous tribes that not only live harmoniously with the environment, but thrive within it. It is through these communities that she portrays to the reader the hope that remains for our planet.

Hope invites an open conversation about the natural world and climate change. The beauty, the connection between past and present, are all aspects of life that are at threat.

The book is a ‘visual manifesto’ for protecting the environment, a glimpse into alternative ways of living where humans work with nature, rather than against it.

Cristina captures a powerful image of an indigenous tribe in Hope

Cristina’s advice for choosing a career path

In Japanese culture there is a concept called ikigai. It combines two words, ‘iki’ meaning life and ‘gai’ which means reason; the result translates as ‘reason to live’.

Cristina has found it invaluable in finding a life’s purpose.

‘When people say to me I want to be a photographer, my question is why?’, Cristina questioned during the intimate press gathering at Shreeji newsagents.

The concept of ikigai requires three lists. The first is a list of all the things you like, the second all the things you are good at and the third is what the word needs right now (what is going to get you paid).

‘Is it because you like the camera? Is it because you care about animals? Is it because you’re looking for a way to contribute?’

Combining the result of these three lists should make it clearer on which path you should follow.

Today to make it as an artist requires a rainbow of multiple skill-sets. Gone are the days of artists just doing art and nothing else.  In Cristina’s 30 year career she has learnt to wear multiple hats to survive and make a living.

Even now, it’s not just in straight up photography that she makes money.

‘When you get hungry you start learning how to pay your bills. You know I make a living from public speaking, banks pay me to go and talk to their investors, especially their Gen Z audiences.’

Shreeji Newsagents – A great place to find Hemeria’s back catalogue

Hemeria – The publisher who champions artists

As any writer knows, the editorial process can be brutal. After rounds of revisions, the finished product can look nothing like what you originally wrote. It can be difficult to find publishers that put art first.

‘Hemeria approached me in such a different way. They said we’re going to take a financial risk together to make something that’s really artistic. Made with love…and care.’

It was a meeting with Hemeria CEO Brigitte Trichet that changed everything. The philosophy and ideals of the publisher were an ideal match for the artist.

The risk paid off. Within a few weeks there was enough pre-orders to cover the costs of making the book. When art is produced in the right way, it can also be financially rewarding.

‘Art is best shown when other artists are supported.’

Where and How to buy Hope

Currently on sale at Hemeria and Hope will be available at all good bookshops as of 18th November.

Shreeji newsagents in Marylebone is a beautifully unique spot for photography and art books and is highly recommended.