The 'Kingdom of Dust' Photos Capture the Dark Side of American Agriculture
Rahul Kalvapalle — August 6, 2014 — Art & Design
References: mattblack & featureshoot
Kingdom of Dust is a black-and-white photo series, captured by photographer Matt Black, that documents life in the agricultural communities of California's Central Valley. The vast farming region produces $20 billion in agricultural products, but is also home to industrial wasteland and neglected communities of migrant workers.
The name 'Kingdom of Dust' was inspired by the severe dust storms that frequent the region, hampering planting efforts and forcing families into unemployment and poverty. The workers are prone to heatstroke and death, while their families are vulnerable to drug addiction, gang violence and teenage pregnancies. Many of these workers are undocumented migrants from Mexico.
The black-and-white photos capture the fragility of the rugged landscape. However, they also depict scenes of simple contentment such as children playing, men bathing and teenagers hanging around by a lake.
The name 'Kingdom of Dust' was inspired by the severe dust storms that frequent the region, hampering planting efforts and forcing families into unemployment and poverty. The workers are prone to heatstroke and death, while their families are vulnerable to drug addiction, gang violence and teenage pregnancies. Many of these workers are undocumented migrants from Mexico.
The black-and-white photos capture the fragility of the rugged landscape. However, they also depict scenes of simple contentment such as children playing, men bathing and teenagers hanging around by a lake.
Trend Themes
1. Environmental Impact of Agriculture - Disruptive innovation opportunities include developing sustainable farming practices and technology to mitigate the negative environmental effects of agriculture.
2. Social Welfare in Agricultural Communities - Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in creating support systems and resources to improve the welfare and living conditions of migrant workers and their families in agricultural communities.
3. Photography as a Medium for Documenting Reality - Disruptive innovation opportunities can be found in using photography as a tool for shedding light on pressing social issues and sparking conversations for change.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - Disruptive innovation opportunities within the agriculture industry involve integrating sustainable practices and adopting technologies to address environmental concerns.
2. Social Services and Advocacy - Disruptive innovation opportunities exist in the social services and advocacy sectors to improve the welfare and rights of migrant workers in agricultural communities.
3. Photography and Visual Arts - Disruptive innovation opportunities exist in the photography and visual arts industries for photographers to use their skills to raise awareness about important social issues.
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