Comfort Stations, Edwards Air Force Base, California Possibly 1983 - 1997

Richard Misrach took this photograph, Comfort Stations, Edwards Air Force Base, California, and it’s interesting how he’s made this image through a process of framing and capturing, as opposed to the additive process of painting. The subtle gradations in the sky and the cracked earth feel very material. The colours create this strange, emotional landscape: a tension between the sky, which is all soft blues and pale oranges, and the dry, cracked earth. Then you’ve got these almost sculptural, rectangular structures that interrupt the natural landscape. Look at the texture on the first cuboid on the right of the row, it has a weathered surface, and hints of rust, and the use of muted colors, this stands in stark contrast to the stark, arid surroundings. The overall effect is one of isolation and contemplation. I'm reminded of Ed Ruscha’s photographs of Los Angeles swimming pools and parking lots, they share that same sense of detachment. Ultimately, this photograph opens up a space for reflection on the relationship between humanity and the environment, leaving us to ponder the meanings we project onto these desolate landscapes.