The International Energy Agency estimates that roughly 759 million people in the world still live without access to electricity, more than 95% of these people are either in sub-Saharan Africa or developing Asia. In these parts of the world, almost all rural labor is still unmechanized. Candles, which are both expensive and dangerous, are the only source of light available once the sun sets. As building the requisite infrastructure to connect remote and rural villages to the grid will still take a long time, solar energy is a viable and much-needed solution that has the potential to improve the lives of millions immediately. Small, inexpensive photovoltaic power (PV) systems can provide households with 8-12 hours of light during the night, allowing people to do more with their waking hours at no additional cost.
Looking at the larger picture of our planet's environment, solar energy has the potential to make a substantial positive impact on the earth's C02 footprint. The Environmental Protection Agency shows that generating electric power causes over a third of all greenhouse gas emissions so reducing the electricity we draw from the grid means reducing carbon emissions.
These portraits depict the lives of people, many of whom, for the first time, have access to electricity through the power of solar energy. Locations are chosen that have pre-existing access to solar technology, so that the storytelling expresses the direct experience of individuals within the community. Rubén has created a visual language inspired by Chiaroscuro, a 17th-century painting technique used by masters such as Rembrandt and Caravaggio, to tell the story of a contemporary technology. Each protagonist was asked how having electricity has affected their life. The scenes have all been lit only by solar-powered light bulbs, mostly their own, which are contributing to the improvement in these people's standard of living.
Solar Portraits is not only an artistic project, but has foundation support with registered non-profit (501(c)3) status for its growing social impact initiative. The series has become an educational tool, bringing workshops and creative programming to the youngest members of communities documented which leads to collaboration with reciprocity. Students build a simple solar lamp or solar art project, with a focus on opening the door for bright young minds to learn about themes of solar energy innovation, global citizenship, and personal empowerment.
Solar Portraits has been an on-going project since 2014 and has been produced in 30 locations, 10 countries on 5 continents until today.
