Atopia

The term atopia – taking its definition from the Greek atopos, literally meaning “non-place”, “without place”, or “out of place” The paradox is that the places I photograph, while without easy definition or clear purpose, are filled with a palpable sense of presence. Here, nature resides marginally, around the industrial urban space as well as within abandoned toxic zones. The landscape shifts around human activity refocusing the view, opening questions about our relationship to the environment. I am interested in the interdependent relationships between nature and human experience, and focus on these specific sites to show the land ruptured with insidious quiet. This view presents a coexistence of composed beauty shaped alongside the ruined land. These are observations of a marred landscape without direct accusation or political agenda. Unlike the notion of Utopia, which projects a model of an ideal world, Atopia expresses a perspective of our present world. Attached to 21st century complexity and an attempt to reconcile disorder and chaos, the landscape is filled with many seeming contradictions. Beauty rests alongside damage, and balance alongside dis-ease.