Russian-born American photographer Anastasia Samoylova has taken the world by storm with her poignant and thought-provoking series “Flood Zone,” showcasing the devastating effects of climate change on Florida’s crumbling infrastructure. The exhibition, now on display at both the Met Museum in New York and the Saatchi Gallery in London, marks a significant departure from traditional environmental photography.
Samoylova’s work is characterized by its subtlety and anxiety-inducing quality, capturing the eerie beauty of decaying pastel-pink landscapes and the surreal chronicle of an area rapidly losing its life. The “Flood Zone” series, launched in 2019, paints a vivid picture of the climate crisis through cracked concrete, flooded swimming pools, uprooted palm trees, and displaced alligators.
What sets Samoylova’s work apart is her refusal to label herself as an environmental photographer. Instead, she sees her role as capturing the complexities of human existence and the responsibility that comes with documenting our time. Her photography is intentionally observational, focusing on the intricate details that reveal the world around us.
Samoylova’s own experiences in Florida have profoundly shaped her work, from the severe weather events to the state’s aging infrastructure. Her photographs serve as a record of the crisis unfolding before our eyes, yet they also leave room for interpretation and discussion. One image, “Gator” (2017), stands out for its haunting beauty and allegorical significance.
As Samoylova continues her artistic journey, she is now focusing on capturing the many climate solutions already in motion across the globe. Her next project, “Transformations,” offers a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. With her gritty yet hopeful portrayal of climate crisis, Anastasia Samoylova reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for transformation and renewal.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/09/style/anastasia-samoylova-photography-climate/index.html