Clément Cogitore's Island That Appeared and Vanished

Between June and July 1831, a volcanic island emerged from the sea halfway between Agrigento and Pantelleria, in the central Mediterranean. Composed of fragile tephrite, it was sighted and quickly became subject to cartographic inscription, administrative formalization, and a geopolitical dispute over its ownership. Within a short time, it acquired three names: Graham (British), Iulia (French), and Ferdinandea (Italian). The island later eroded and disappeared. French artist Clément Cogitore explores this ephemeral island in his work, addressing themes of territory, naming, and contested space.