Hugo Glasier is a photographer, caver and mine explorer.

From late 2019 to early 2020 he collaborated with a team of researchers at the University of Exeter's Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), including Dr Laura Newsome (Lecturer in Geomicrobiology), Carmen Falagan Rodriguez (a researcher in the ESI geomicrobiology laboratory) and Tomasa Sbaffi (a now graduated PhD student who was studying the microbial communities living in Cornish mine waste) on a Creative Exchange called 'Hidden in Plain Sight'. Documenting the fascinating hidden microbial life that inhabits Cornwall’s underground environments, the project explored how microbial life contributes to the formation of unique rock and mineral structures.

The original exhibition at the ESI featured a series of beautiful photographic prints of the mining environments and micrographs of microbes and film samples, revealing the structure, pattern and colour of subsurface life. It ran from the 17th January to the 21st February 2020 and was the final exhibition in the gallery space before the global pandemic temporarily closed it.

Since his Creative Exchange Hugo has continued to explore and photograph mines in Cornwall, contributing to an ever growing body of work. For 'Catalyst'he is exhibiting three breathtaking new photographs including a stunning image of the vast cavern of Restormel Iron Mine in Lostwithiel. Entre the virtual gallery by clicking on the image below.

About 'Catalyst'

Showcasing nearly a decade of arts/science collaborations at the the University of Exeter's Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn, 'Catalyst' features new work by twelve artists, all of whom have previously worked with researchers as part of the ESI Creative Exchange.