Task 5: Unnoticed, Unseen, Overlooked, Nature in Abandoned Spaces

Nature in Abandoned Spaces

The aim of this assignment was to create a proposal for a major project based around our interpretation of the Unnoticed, Unseen and Overlooked.

I think that nature, particularly plants and trees, go unnoticed in everyday life and often get overlooked when places and objects are abandoned. Nature has a way of covering over places and objects we leave behind by breaking them down and reclaiming these spaces over time, softening the sharp edges of industry with bright green foliage.

Therefore, I am interested in photographing places which have been forgotten about and sit unnoticed as nature reclaims the setting. Decaying brickwork, smashed glass, and metal rusting into copper shades creates contrast against the curling natural foliage and bright green of plants pushing their way back into man-made spaces and objects. Twisted organic shapes look striking when juxtaposed against the straight edges of a warehouse or machinery. I am keen to look for overlooked objects like old cars left to rot, neglected machinery; industrial objects that create the sharpest contrast with the natural plants that are growing into and over them.

I intend to create 6 images based around this idea, and to use my camera and techniques we have discussed in our lectures, to help me communicate these ideas.

Here are some examples from various photographers: