In July 2024, I traveled to Ilhabela, Brazil, for a one-month artist residency, initially planning to document the effects of heavy rainfall and flooding. When I arrived, I learned that rainfall was scarce, leading me to shift my focus to the island’s waterfalls, which serve as its sole water source. Through research and local interviews, I discovered that overtourism and pollution were major concerns, straining the island’s water supply and leading to trash buildup around the waterfalls.
I conducted a survey to gather local perspectives, uncovering that Ilhabela’s peak tourist season more than doubles its population, causing water shortages for residents. Marina Caamaño, the residency leader, introduced me to Marcio Bortolusso, a local conservationist, who highlighted the delicate balance between tourism-driven income and environmental preservation. While the island is building a desalination plant to address water shortages, locals worry it may reduce the incentive to protect the waterfalls.
Throughout my stay, I documented daily life and the island’s landscapes using photography and field notes. As I left Ilhabela, I reflected on how quickly I adapted to the island’s way of life and felt compelled to return in the future to document the impact of the desalination plant.
