Topic 9: Nature and Culture
- What is your understanding of the word ‘nature’ How is this term problematic?
The word nature personally is what makes a thing be it an animal, a tree, a plant, a person — alive and not man-made. Once nature becomes man-made it surely does not stay alive.
As explained how we as humans create man-made objects is by using or a better word would be, make use of nature. What is problematic about this situation is that by taking a big portion of nature because of our population and great demand from big companies, we are not letting nature regain its strength. Thus, we would have consequences such as; animals going extinct, wildfires, heatwaves and so on.
- How do location and environment feature in your work?
Going on hikes and exploring places in Malta, I always take my camera to take beautiful pictures of our landscapes and seascapes:
However, the thing is I only take photos of what Malta offers for its beauty in nature and does not show images that raise awareness of climate change or global warming. My image does not “…arose emotions of shock, fear, dismay or even despair.” as Dorothea Born implies in her article ‘Nature Gone Wild’, however, it is quite the opposite as it creates a sense of calmness and the use of the colour blue enhances safety and happy thoughts.
- What is the relationship between your practice and human consumption?
Honestly, I have never explored that type of subject — but seeing what is happening around us every day, every photographer should take up the challenge and dedicate his/her time to take photos “…that may raise awareness of climate change and foster an understanding of its importance and urgency.” (Dorothea Born, ‘Nature Gone Wild’ ) — rather than just shooting beautiful imagery of our nature.
