Blog 24 - March 2023
Close look, distant view
This is the name of the most recent art event I went to, although I don't think calling it an art event is good enough.
A wonderful journey of discovery in the study of landscapes and new research was made possible by the symposium of artists, architects, scientists, educators, and other exceptional people.
We had insightful presentations, heated debates and fun interactions during the day in The Hold Suffolk Archives.
According to Susan Barnet and Jane Watt (both lecturers in University of Suffolk), if we look close enough we might get a new perspective on a macro view - distant view.
The next day we did get to experience a close look into Orford Ness National Trust Nature Reserve.
I consider myself lucky to have been able to take this journey with interesting individuals as you can only reach there by tiny boat and it is currently off limits to the general public.
The site is internationally important with fascinating 20th century military history. From atomic weapons research to vegetated shingle, where one misplaced footstep can ruin structures that have taken centuries to form, the site is also a home for wildlife.
While walking in there I l felt like this site is one big curated decay (about 10miles). Humans are trying to reserve it, but the shift in the landscape, the erosion of chore and even the shingle, that is being moved daily by lively hares, are inevitable.
I have enjoyed recording Orford Ness through the objects, in particular, the ones that had gaps, through which I could see the divided landscape.
I was contemplating how vulnerable the environment is, how it was, is, and will be in the future. We cannot stop the changes from occurring, but we can navigate ourselves and help future generations work together in appreciating this synergy of life.
P.S. Last shot of the last shot. The person in the snapshot below only had six photos in his old-style camera. My phone's battery was at 1% at the moment, so I snapped the final shot of the photographer. Like someone had their last shot there too at some point in the past.
