‘Oil Slick: Series One’ is a photographic exploration of the damage caused by deforestation. Over the last 5 years, we have lost an estimated 10 million Hectares of forest per year. This level of deforestation is aggravated by consumer demand for meat alternatives and palm oil production for food and beauty products. Deforestation will lead to global temperatures increasing beyond repair, and the loss of hundreds of flora and fauna species.
By exposing my film negatives to bleach, I have stripped the film of its colours, leaving only the reds and yellows – a direct reference to forest fires that have increased in numbers over recent years, and the method of burning forests down to clear the land. In an ironic twist, I have been forced to utilise the damaging chemicals I condemn, in order to achieve the visual message behind the work.
