Southern Patagonia’s Otherworldly Landscapes Photographed by Reuben Wu

British photographer and musician Reuben Wu takes us on an otherworldly journey through strange but magnificent lands in his series Ultima Esperanza. Shot while hiking what’s called the W trek in Southern Chilean Patagonia, Wu traversed a trail of almost 60km over four days, toting tent, sleeping bag, food and camera.

The trail ends at Lago Grey, where the stunning Grey Glacier releases blue icebergs into the lake as bits and pieces slowly disintegrate in the water. Wu recalls, “When I left the security of the earth and stepped out onto this eerie blue expanse, I found that my sense of light, scale and time had been taken away. There was nothing familiar in the landscape to recognize.” This foreignness runs throughout the series, Wu exploring “how the unfamiliar can heighten and amplify experiences.”

Shooting long exposures and often with outdated film, Wu’s landscapes are transportive, almost supernatural. They record places so rich with magic and mystery that we can hardly believe they exist.

Wu’s work is currently on view at Schneider Gallery in Chicago through March 1, 2014.

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