The River’s Edge 2015

Robert Adams captured this landscape with his camera in the 20th century, presenting us with a scene dominated by driftwood. These fallen trees, remnants of life now cast ashore, evoke a contemplation of mortality and the passage of time. Think of the ancient Greek philosophers, who often used natural symbols to ponder the ephemeral nature of existence. The river, a constant flow, reminds us of Heraclitus's idea that one cannot step into the same river twice, an ever-changing world. Consider how the image of driftwood contrasts with the "arbor vitae," or "tree of life," symbolizing immortality in many cultures. Here, the fallen tree, stripped of its leaves and branches, evokes a sense of loss and decay, reminding us of the inevitable cycle of life and death. This symbol resonates deep within us, touching on primal fears and anxieties about our own mortality. Notice how the driftwood has traveled, been shaped, and transformed by natural forces. The same motif recurs throughout history, perpetually renewing itself.