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Murray Ballard - Olive tree infected with Xylella on fire, near Cocumola, Salento, July 2022
Professionally printed on 10x12 Arches 88 fine art matte paper, 100% cotton-rag.
This image is part of Ghosts in the Field, a long-term photographic project exploring the Salento region of southern Italy, where ancient traditions are colliding with ecological crisis and modern change. At its centre is the devastation caused by Xylella, a bacterium that has killed over 21 million olive trees. In Salento, the olive tree is more than an economic resource — it is a symbol of identity, resilience, and continuity. Here, an infected tree burns in a field near Cocumola, embodying both ecological loss and a wider cultural rupture, as traditions rooted in the land struggle to survive. Once the foundation of the region’s identity, these trees now stand as stark reminders of loss. Through images of the land, people, and folklore, the series reflects on fragility, resilience, and transformation.
Murray Ballard is a UK-based photographer and filmmaker whose work explores the intersections of environment, social issues, science, and technology. He is best known for The Prospect of Immortality, published by GOST Books, and his recent projects include Ghosts in the Field. Alongside his artistic practice, he works editorially and commercially, and has recently begun teaching photography at the University of Brighton.
“I’m supporting Photofusion because it’s such an important and long-established organisation for photography in the UK. Over the years I’ve seen many exhibitions there that have influenced me and my own practice, and I value the role it plays in supporting photographers and fostering dialogue around the medium.” -Murray Ballard
Print is unsigned. Your purchase will contain a letter of authenticity from Photofusion noting Title of Print, Photographer and signed by Photofusion's Director. Due to all printing being completed expertly in-house, please allow a period of up to 28 days for your order to be shipped.
Professionally printed on 10x12 Arches 88 fine art matte paper, 100% cotton-rag.
This image is part of Ghosts in the Field, a long-term photographic project exploring the Salento region of southern Italy, where ancient traditions are colliding with ecological crisis and modern change. At its centre is the devastation caused by Xylella, a bacterium that has killed over 21 million olive trees. In Salento, the olive tree is more than an economic resource — it is a symbol of identity, resilience, and continuity. Here, an infected tree burns in a field near Cocumola, embodying both ecological loss and a wider cultural rupture, as traditions rooted in the land struggle to survive. Once the foundation of the region’s identity, these trees now stand as stark reminders of loss. Through images of the land, people, and folklore, the series reflects on fragility, resilience, and transformation.
Murray Ballard is a UK-based photographer and filmmaker whose work explores the intersections of environment, social issues, science, and technology. He is best known for The Prospect of Immortality, published by GOST Books, and his recent projects include Ghosts in the Field. Alongside his artistic practice, he works editorially and commercially, and has recently begun teaching photography at the University of Brighton.
“I’m supporting Photofusion because it’s such an important and long-established organisation for photography in the UK. Over the years I’ve seen many exhibitions there that have influenced me and my own practice, and I value the role it plays in supporting photographers and fostering dialogue around the medium.” -Murray Ballard
Print is unsigned. Your purchase will contain a letter of authenticity from Photofusion noting Title of Print, Photographer and signed by Photofusion's Director. Due to all printing being completed expertly in-house, please allow a period of up to 28 days for your order to be shipped.