This series examines the evolving nexus between renewable energy and mining in Chile's Atacama Desert. Chile is the world's leading copper exporter and the second-largest lithium producer. We use Chilean copper and lithium daily in our cars, computers, and smartphones. The geography of the Atacama Desert offers excellent solar and wind potential. Since 2017, when I first photographed over the Atacama, Chile has tripled its renewable energy capacity. New solar and wind projects supply electricity to the grid, providing power to mines and reducing mining's dependence on fossil fuels.
Jamey Stillings' career spans documentary, fine art, and commissioned work. Since 2010, he has focused on renewable energy through his project, Changing Perspectives: Renewable Energy & the Shifting Human Landscape.
Atacama: Renewable Energy and Mining in the High Desert of Chile was published by Steidl in 2023.
Stillings presents at photo festivals, universities, TED events, and conferences. His work is exhibited and published globally and is in private and public collections, including the US Library of Congress, MFA - Houston, LA County Museum of Art, and Nevada Museum of Art.
Awards 20th Pollux Awards, 2023, First Place, Documentary & Reportage, Professional
International Photography Awards, 2023, Professional: Book, Monograph, Honorable Mention
Photolucida Critical Mass TOP 50, 2023, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2010
International Photography Awards, 2016, Professional: Book Photographer of the Year
International Photography Awards, 2016, Professional: Book, Monograph, First Place
International Photographer of the Year Awards, 2016, First Place, Editorial: Environmental
APA Awards 2016, First Place, Documentary/Editorial
The Photo Review 2016 Competition, First Prize
Photo Independent's 2016 Photobook Awards, Best in Show
TIME's Best Photobooks of 2015
The 16 Best Photobooks of 2015, Humble Arts Foundation
The Epson Creativity Award, 2015
APA Awards 2014, First Place, Fine Art – Personal
International Photography Award, 2nd Place, Editorial: Environmental, Pro 2014
Eliot Porter Grant, 2013, New Mexico Council on Photography
Photolucida Critical Mass 2013 Solo Show Award
International Photography Award, 2013, 1st Place, Editorial: Environmental, Pro
Prix Pictet Nominee, 2012 & 2013
CENTER Director’s Choice Award, First Place, 2010
CENTER Curator’s Choice Award, Honorable Mention, 2010
Photolucida Critical Mass Book Award Finalist, 2010
International Photography Award, 2nd Place, Architecture: Bridges, Pro 2010
Honickman First Book Prize in Photography, Semi-finalist, 2002
Communication Arts, Featured Photographer, September/October 2002
