Bulldozed slash, Tillamook County, Oregon 1980

Editor: This gelatin-silver print, "Bulldozed slash, Tillamook County, Oregon," was created by Robert Adams in 1980. The stark monochrome palette and the chaotic scene evoke a strong sense of disruption. What social commentary do you see within this image? Curator: Adams presents a scene of environmental disruption, prompting us to reflect on the uneasy relationship between industry, nature, and the legacies of colonialism that perpetuate this cycle of destruction. We see a clearcut forest; a direct consequence of extractive capitalism, and a visual echo of disrupted ecosystems and indigenous land rights. Editor: So the photograph becomes a statement about human impact, not just an observation of a landscape? Curator: Precisely. It's about the politics embedded within seemingly neutral landscapes. The term “slash” is crucial here. How does the intentional act of cutting down trees connect with broader societal cuts, say, the devaluation of marginalized communities in favor of economic progress? How does race and class figure into environmental destruction? Editor: That makes me rethink my initial reaction to the image's "chaos." It's not just disorder, but a deliberate result of specific actions and policies. Curator: Consider the monochrome. What stories do colors have the power to reveal, and what ones do the black and white purposefully conceal? This artistic decision can serve to subtly convey different perspectives, prompt a deeper emotional or critical engagement with the artwork. Editor: I hadn’t considered that—I’m used to color photographs emphasizing the vibrancy of nature. Here, the starkness is a punch to the gut, making the impact undeniable. Curator: Yes, it underscores the ethical and historical weight carried within seemingly simple landscape photography. A reminder that how we treat land is intrinsically linked to how we treat each other. Editor: I’m now seeing a whole new dimension to this piece, it moved me to think of race, capitalism and environmental topics together.