Altered landscapes

I have long admired the evocative works of American photographer John Pfahl.

It's hard to believe that these first three images are part of an exhibition of his work which took place in the 70's.

They observe so delicately the often tenuous intersection between the natural world and the incursions of man.

This later series which have the poetic sentiment of early British landscape artists, examines the ironic presence of power plants which must needs be locate themselves in areas of the most beautiful wilderness.

His Romanticized images underscore so powerfully the sinister way in which man's domination over the natural world has insinuated itself into the landscape.

xxx elle