Caves by definition are natural creations, underground spaces created by the weathering of rock. But after visiting a few caves managed by governments or commercial organizations, photographer Austin Irving noticed that the caverns had been altered in almost bizarre ways to accommodate tourism.

Inspired by this discovery, Irving created a photo series entitled “Show Caves,” which looks at the merger of two seemingly conflicting forces: natural and manipulated.

In a statement, Irving said the images “highlight the tension that exists between the staggering natural beauty of caves natural beauty of the caves and renovations people make in order to transform these places into tourist attractions.”

(MORE: Spectacular Caves Around the World)

Irving became interested in photographing caves during two trips to Southeast Asia in 2008 and 2009. “I was drawn to photographing the spectacle and kitsch of ‘Show Caves’ (caves that have been modified for tourism),” she explained.

When she got back from her trip she started visiting caves in the U.S. and began noticing similarities. “It became clear that there is a collective fantasy of what a cave should look like that’s not actually specific to any kind of country or region. Moreover, the juxtaposition of the hand of man on these ancient geological wonders makes for very surreal and almost sci-fi imagery, which is something that I am drawn to as a visual artist.”

In Irving’s photos, paved trails, elevators, altered lighting and souvenir stands can be seen inside the caves.

(MORE: Hikers Discover Hidden Cave in Slovakia)

“The most unexpected addition to a Show Cave that I've encountered was inside the Dau Go Cave of Wonders in Northern Vietnam,” she said. “In the cave, there are penguin-shaped trash cans lining the cement walkways—I couldn't believe my eyes!”

Irving, who currently lives in Los Angeles, traveled to caves in Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, New Mexico, Virginia, Arizona, New York and Tennessee for the series.

To see more of her work visit her website austinirving.com.

(For More Travel, Follow us on Facebook)