Almudena Romero Grows World's Largest Living Photograph in Toulouse Field
Almudena Romero, an artist with British and Spanish roots, has created what is believed to be the world's largest living photograph, titled 'Farming Photographs.' This impressive artwork covers 11,000 square meters of farmland near Toulouse, France. Collaborating with the public research institute INRAE, she has designed a massive human eye using various types of wheat, selected for their color and light effects, which evolve throughout the growing season. Inspired by the 19th-century anthotype technique, Romero’s piece merges photography with ecological artistry. It’s a symbol of humanity’s diversity, visible only from above. Unfortunately, in winter 2026, the project faced challenges from heavy rains and flooding. The artwork will be on display until summer 2026, after which the wheat will be harvested and turned into flour for the community.
Key facts
- Almudena Romero created 'Farming Photographs', a living photograph of a human eye on 11,000 square meters of land near Toulouse, France.
- The work was developed in collaboration with INRAE, a public research institute.
- Sown in October 2025, the image uses different wheat varieties selected for chromatic variations and light responses.
- The project builds on the 19th-century anthotype process but allows plants to produce the image through photosynthesis.
- The eye is composed of features from different races, genders, and ages, representing a collective portrait of humanity.
- The work is only fully visible from aerial views and drone footage.
- During winter 2026, extreme rainfall and flooding near Toulouse threatened the project, highlighting climate vulnerabilities.
- The work will be visible through summer 2026 and harvested in August; the wheat will be milled into flour and redistributed locally.
Entities
Artists
- Almudena Romero
Institutions
- INRAE
- designboom
Locations
- Toulouse
- France