Salazar-Ajo Library invites you to a photo show by Ajo based photographer Mikal Jakubal about the wild adventure of capturing lightning and other extreme weather images in the Sonoran Desert. The exhibit will be on display from October 31 - November 30, 2025.
Keraunomania: an abnormal obsession with thunder and lightning.
Keraunós:
from Ancient Greek, thunder and lightning.
Mania:
an excessively intense enthusiasm, interest or desire.
Artist Statement:
The photography show features lightning storms, a comet, and aurora across a variety of Southwest landscapes, including iconic locations like Shiprock, Delicate Arch and Goosenecks of the San Juan, but with a particular emphasis on areas around Ajo. The Curley School, local churches and saguaro cactus deserts provide unique framing and backdrops for storm photography as well as being easily accessible on a moment’s notice.Atmospheric phenomena are highly ephemeral and only barely predictable, but Ajo’s location and easy access to so many picturesque landscapes makes it a perfect launching point when a storm cell pops up and I need to grab my gear, jump in the truck and race off into the desert.
The images are accompanied by short stories describing the trials and errors, fun and risks of storm chasing and how I managed to capture some of the individual photos while avoiding being electrocuted or snake bit in the process. Or, in some cases, how I managed to just barely miss the perfect shot.
Images courtesy of the photographer
