Unit 2: Positions through contextualising – Week 3
“Exploration Diary”
I used a mind map to organize the research route of the past two weeks, which has made my thinking clearer. Last week, I conducted practical investigations on urban nature, exploring from a micro perspective and documenting three aspects in the form of a diary: natural textures, human erosion, and symbiotic relationship. As the final week of the project, I narrowed down the focus of the investigation and placed particular emphasis on the issue of human waste pollution. This process ultimately helped me establish the line of inquiry through iterative exploration and reflection.
What is our core value, the irreplaceable part? What is the symbiotic relationship between human beings, artificial intelligence and nature?
How can imagery be uesd to reflect the impact of human activities on urban nature in London, and how do we balance the aesthetic and artistic aspects of imagery with the authenticity and seriousness of environmental issues?
How can the language of photography be utilized to inspire public engagement with the ecological issue of anthropogenic waste polluting the natural environment?
I continued my journey of exploration, and this time I recorded more detailed scientific data such as time, location, weather, and other objective information. Additionally, I immediately responded to the subjective impressions I felt when witnessing the pollution caused by human waste on the natural world. Furthermore, through the language of photography, I primarily captured three aspects of pollution: visual pollution, soil pollution, and river pollution.Photos by meAs a reflection of my discoveries and responses, I continued to use the format of a publication, but with visual iterations in its content and design. It encompasses my contemplations and viewpoints derived from these field observations. For example, our consumption patterns and lifestyles excessively emphasize material wealth and short-term gratification, thereby overlooking the finite nature of resources and the long-term impact on the environment. Latest version, not final
After the feedback and self-reflection of this project, the curent publication version left the audience with a somewhat romanticized impression. I have become aware of this issue myself. I tend to explore the world, address problems, develop projects, and create works from a poetic and optimistic perspective. I may have spent more time focusing on the visual composition of photographic framing and publication design, aspects of graphic communication design, without truly immersing myself in the environmental crisis.
Photographer and environmental scientist Neal Haddaway’s “Hope? And How to Grieve for the Planet,” which was exhibited at CSM’s green house, is a highly impactful work that has profoundly inspired my research. This project primarily explores the emotional connection between scientists, communicators, and the Earth, and their efforts to protect it. Haddaway’s professional use and presentation of photography are something I aspire to learn from. His photography style is one that I admire and appreciate for its aesthetic presentation. However, what sets him apart is his ability to capture the emotions of those working on the forefront of climate and environmental research through dialogues and imagery. He delicately portrays their emotions and invites the audience to immerse themselves, becoming part of their emotional journey. When I encountered this work, it left a deep impact on me. I resonated profoundly with the expressions and emotions conveyed, experiencing a sense of fear and urgency regarding the crisis our planet faces. https://www.nealhaddaway.com/hope/STOP POLLUTION
