This series of photographs, taken in the mountains of Lebanon, honors nature as the greatest artist of all. Through erosion, rust... Read More
This series of photographs, taken in the mountains of Lebanon, honors nature as the greatest artist of all.
Through erosion, rust and demolition, the power of nature has transformed lifeless and tedious human-made structures into stunning masterpieces vibrant with curves, angles and reflections that echo the seasons that have carved their lines.
By the force of nature, billboards, which are usually associated with industrialization and reckless consumerism, have paradoxically become materials for contemplation of beauty and art. Wind, rain and sun have worn down one of the pillars of capitalism that operates by deterring the viewers’ eyes from their surroundings and filling their brains with a rush of unsolicited data. Through this metamorphosis, nature has created space for the eyes and mind to wander free from any materialistic influence; it has also given the viewers the opportunity to take back control of their senses, allowing them to willfully look at the distorted billboards with a new perspective.
The sight of the bent and broken billboards is a trigger for us to become aware of and reflect upon the influences and outcomes of what scientists and researchers call the “Capitalocene”, which has driven aggressions towards nature (including human beings) for the sake of accumulation of capital. It is also an opportunity to reconsider the use of space and resources and to carefully examine the placement of objects in the public space, in a way that respects and benefits that space and the collective wellbeing. It is a call to find ways to encourage deeper interests and ideas beyond mere spending and consumption, and to adopt new behaviors that support nature and impartially optimize inter-species connections.
