Javier Castaño Illustrates the Majestic Castells, Notable Symbols of Catalonia

Javier Castañ's photography series on human towers (known as castells) in nature creatively explores the striking visual and conceptual parallels between these intricate human structures and natural networks such as ant colonies and mycelium (the underground fungal networks). Here’s an overview of the themes and connections highlighted in his work:

1. Human Towers (Castells) as Living Structures

Castells, a traditional Catalan practice, involve people stacking themselves into complex towers that require balance, coordination, and communal effort.
Castañ’s photographs capture these ephemeral human sculptures rooted in tradition, showcasing the dynamic interdependence between individual and collective strength.

2. Connection to Ant Colonies

Ant colonies exhibit sophisticated social structures, where thousands of individual ants work collectively to create complex nests and undertake coordinated tasks.
In the photographs, castells resemble the layered, interconnected formations of ant nests, emphasizing themes of cooperation, division of labor, and the strength of collective organization.
The images invite reflection on how individual roles, no matter how small, contribute to the stability and success of the whole system.

3. Parallel with Mycelium Networks

Mycelium, the thread-like root system of fungi, forms vast underground networks connecting plants and trees, facilitating nutrient exchange and communication within ecosystems.
Castan’s work draws visual parallels between the branching, interconnected forms of mycelium and the human towers’ layered human connections.
On a metaphorical level, castells and mycelium both represent interdependence and connectivity, highlighting how seemingly isolated parts contribute to a living, growing organism or community.

4. Photography Style and Setting

The series often places human towers in natural landscapes—forests, fields, rocky environments—blurring boundaries between human culture and nature.
The contrast between human skin, muscle, and organic surroundings underscores the idea of humans as part of complex natural systems.
The use of natural light and earthy tones enhances the organic quality of the towers, making them appear as living extensions of the environment.

5. Philosophical and Ecological Implications

Castañ’s series prompts viewers to consider how human societies mirror natural ecosystems in their interconnectedness.
It also raises awareness about sustainability, resilience, and the importance of community structures, whether biological or cultural.
By linking a cultural tradition to natural phenomena, the work fosters a deeper appreciation of the symbiotic relationship between humans and their environment.

The series of photographs was shot for Atmos Volume 9: Kinship, which explores themes of family, biodiversity, wildlife, symbiosis, and conservation. The photographs in Atmos Volume 9: Kinship were produced by Rebecca Watson, with production coordination by Victor Nunez, production assistance by Nikita Klepach and Andrea Florez, and location at La Granja Ability Training Center.

The Black Room Studio handled the retouching for the photographs in Atmos Volume 9: Kinship. Stephania Yepes was the Stylist for the production of the photographs, with Cristina Ramos serving as the Set Design Assistant. Alex Kuhlencordt served as the Art Director, and Rodrigo Quirante was responsible for the post-production. Pablo de Pastors Photography assisted in the production, and Anna Morell was the Styling Assistant. Carlos Alexander and Luís Ramos were dedicated to the castellers in the photographs, and Castellers de Sarria received a special thanks for their dedication in the production.

The story "Arm in Arm" first appeared in Atmos Volume 9: Kinship. The collection of stories in Atmos Volume 9: Kinship serves as a reminder of the web of relationships and kinship that exists.

The series of photographs in Atmos Volume 9: Kinship, featuring Javier Castañ's work on human towers (castells), also incorporates themes of natural world connectivity, as seen in the organization of ant colonies and mycelium networks, demonstrating a parallel between human structures and the outlined phenomena.
In the realms of lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty, the connection between human towers and natural networks is extended to the idea of sustainable living, where individual efforts collaborate harmoniously to create a cohesive, interconnected community.
The home-and-garden sector might find inspiration in Castañ's work, as his photographs showcase how organic settings can seamlessly integrate human structures, similarly to mycelium networks linking plants and trees within ecosystems.