Michiel De Cleene, Arnout De Cleene, Amidst the fire, I am not burnt Surface Reading, 2024

‘In the midst of the fire, I am not burnt’ is a documentary approach to the iconic landscape shaped by Vesuvius. It investigates the different temporalities, scientific and popular perceptions, historical and current photographic representations and stories inscribed in this cyclical landscape. The book weaves documentary writing and photography into a varied constellation of subjects and experiences, from abandoned quarries, archaeological sites and souvenirs to car parks, bonfires and lovers parked along the road at night. As each volcano eruption adds a layer to the previous one, Vesuvius continues to perceive, store, destroy, shape and transmit information.