[suit.a.ble] Trackway to the danger zone
In the shadow of progress itself, this scene beckons the viewer into a realm where the collision of nature and human endeavour yields a symphony of absurdity. At the heart of this enigmatic tableau stands a solitary figure, a bearded warden clad in a tracksuit that serves as both armour and emblem of his existential journey.
With an air of nonchalance, the figure gazes into the distance, his sunglasses obscuring the depths of his contemplation. In his hands, a chainsaw hums with the promise of transformation, its metallic teeth poised to rend the ancient arboreal sentinel before him.
The scene unfolds beneath the glare of the autumnal sun, casting stark shadows that dance upon the figure like spectres of time. Here, amidst a cacophony of progress, the arborist becomes a reluctant protagonist in the ongoing saga of human dominion over nature.
As the chainsaw bites into the flesh of the tree, its ancient limbs succumb to the inexorable march of civilization. Each stroke of the blade is a testament to the hubris of humanity as well as a counternarrative of caring custodianship. Each arboreal echo is a reminder of the fleeting nature of existence in the Anthropocene epoch.
Amidst the destruction, there lingers a sense of melancholic beauty, a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things. In the dying gasps of the tree, we hear the echoes of centuries past, a mournful lament for a world lost to the relentless march of progress.
This work challenges viewers to confront the complexities of our relationship with the natural world, to grapple with the consequences of our actions in an age defined by ecological crisis. Through its juxtaposition of beauty and ugliness, it invites us to reflect on the fragility of life and the urgent need for stewardship in the face of environmental upheaval.
Thanks to Cam Whitehead for the very suitable writing
This photograph is one of 10 images produced for the [suit.a.ble] photo exhibition on March 2nd. If you would like to read about the exhibition itself CLICK HERE