This Stephen Wilkes photography turns the devastation from Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey into visual serenity.
The pictures of a New Jersey roller coaster submerged underwater is undeniably beautiful and depressing. The photographs exhibit the extreme disaster that took place, while simultaneously creating a quintessential photo-op. The literal picture, as well as the implication of the storm is permeable. These conflicting shots capture the aftermath of Sandy vividly. In order to take the shots, Wilkes rented a helicopter to take aerial photographs of the roller coaster and the surrounding area. The Jersey Shore took the brunt of the storm and these stunning shots show the magnitude of the situation.
Stephen Wilkes photography encompasses real life disaster and displays it in a way to make it appear beautiful and destructive.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Disaster Aesthetics
- Opportunities for artists and photographers to capture and portray the beauty and destruction of natural disasters.
- Aerial Documentation
- Innovations in aerial photography and drone technology enabling the capture of unique perspectives in disaster-stricken areas.
- Contrasting Imagery
- The use of contrasting elements in visual storytelling to evoke both beauty and tragedy in the same scene.
Where This Applies
- Photography
- Disruptive innovation opportunities for photographers to push artistic boundaries in capturing the aftermath of natural disasters.
- Drone Technology
- Development of drone technology for aerial photography offers new possibilities for documenting disaster scenarios.
- Fine Art
- The juxtaposition of beauty and destruction in artwork can create thought-provoking experiences for viewers.
