david altrath captures césar manrique’s landmarks on the volcanic terrain of lanzarote

david altrath casts his lens on Lanzarote’s Landmarks

Through the lens of photographer David Altrath, the works of the Spanish artist César Manrique come alive, showcasing how his approach contributed to the formation and preservation of Lanzarote’s cultural and natural identity. Altrath’s frames take viewers on a journey through four iconic landmarks: Mirador del Río, Jameos del Agua, Casa del Volcán, and Casa Omar Sharif. Each image reflects Manrique’s belief in a symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural environment, immortalizing his influence on Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain.

all images by David Altrath

César Manrique’s Legacy of Reverence for the Volcanic Landscape

David Altrath’s series honors César Manrique’s legacy, capturing his dedication to creating harmony between humans and their surroundings. Born in 1919, César Manrique was a sculptor, architect, and environmentalist whose creations embody a commitment to sustainability and a deep respect for Lanzarote’s landscape. His philosophy of merging modernist design with traditional craftsmanship transformed the island into a living canvas, where art aims to preserve the natural world.

At Mirador del Río, located atop the Famara cliffs, Manrique collaborated with architect Eduardo Cáceres and artist Jesús Soto to create a breathtaking viewpoint over the Chinijo Archipelago. Completed in 1973, the structure is carved into the rock, with its flowing organic forms framing views of nearby islands La Graciosa and Montaña Clara. Sculptural elements and stone facades amplify the natural beauty of the site, reflecting Manrique’s belief in architecture as a harmonious extension of the environment.

the works of César Manrique contributed to the formation and preservation of Lanzarote’s identity

humans coexist with delicate ecosystems

Jameos del Agua transforms a volcanic cave into an immersive cultural experience. Enhancing the natural features of the lava tube, Manrique introduced gentle design elements to complement its raw characteristics, creating a space where art and nature coexist. Illuminated pools, volcanic rock formations, and sublte interventions invite visitors to reflect on Lanzarote’s unique geology.

Casa del Volcán, Manrique’s personal home and creative studio, embodies lava tunnels and volcanic formations into its structure. It’s a living example of how humans can coexist with delicate ecosystems, turning the raw beauty of the volcanic landscape into functional spaces. Altrath’s photography captures this fusion, highlighting Manrique’s vision that prioritizes sustainability while celebrating the natural environment.

Originally designed for actor Omar Sharif, Casa Omar Sharif, also known as LagOmar, is carved into volcanic rock, with fluid lines and natural textures echoing the rugged terrain. Using light and shadow to emphasize its organic forms, the home feels like a natural part of its surroundings. It blends so effortlessly with the landscape that it’s hard to tell where the architecture ends and nature begins.

Altrath’s frames take viewers on a journey through four iconic landmarks

each image reflects Manrique’s belief in a symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural environment

César Manrique’s philosophy transformed the island into a living canvas

reflecting Manrique’s belief in architecture as a harmonious extension of the environment

Casa Omar Sharif is carved into volcanic rock

Manrique introduced gentle design elements to complement the raw characteristics

at Mirador del Río Manrique collaborated with architect Eduardo Cáceres and artist Jesús Soto

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immortalizing César Manrique's influence on Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain

fluid lines and natural textures echoing the rugged terrain

using light and shadow to emphasize its organic forms

the home feels like a natural part of its surroundings

completed in 1973, the structure is carved into the rock

César Manrique's creations embody a commitment to sustainability

sculptural elements and flowing organic forms

David Altrath’s series honors César Manrique’s legacy

turning the raw beauty of the volcanic landscape into functional spaces

project info: 

name: César Manrique
photographer: David Altrath | @davidaltrath
locations: Mirador del Río, Jameos del Agua, Casa del Volcán, and Casa Omar Sharif, Lanzarote, Spain