When the Trees Are Gone
by Diana Cheren Nygren
portfolio special mention call 'URBANAUTICA INSTITUTE AWARDS 2020', 2020
Category: Nature, Environment and Perspectives
Surroundings play a dominant role in shaping experience. Born out of three series, this project imagines city dwellers searching for moments of relief in a world shaped by climate change, and the struggle to find a balance between an environment in crisis and manmade structures. The beach becomes rising tides, threatening the very foundation of the city. The clash of nature and city results in an absurd profusion of visual noise and little relief. The resulting images lay bare challenges to city planners, and the problematic nature of the future that lies ahead for humanity and the planet.
My work as a photographer is the culmination of a life-long investment in the power of art and visual culture to shape and influence social change. These compositions challenge the viewer to question the images. It is not reality, and not the future, but one possible future. While the images in the series "When the Trees are Gone" have an apocalyptic tone, they are inspired also by humor. Ultimately, this work is not pessimistic. I am hopeful that, as many urban planners and landscape architects already are, we can find new approaches to urban design.