٠ (un)natural disasters, by Darina Peeva ٠

© Darina Peeva, from the series (un)natural disasters, 2012

© Darina Peeva, from the series (un)natural disasters, 2012

“…This mix of real and unreal gives the viewer the opportunity to perceive the different images unemotionally, distantly and with no sense of guilt. The viewer is just an observer, without the right to change anything, but also with responsibility for what happens. I combine images of animals with
objects (firearms and bombs) and place them in situations different than their normal habitats (interiors and public buildings). That way these symbols of innocence and helplessness (dear and kind) quickly change into carriers (representations and significations) of violence and death. The everyday news about wars, revolutions and human mistakes, for example, the sinking of the Costa Concordia. change our perceptions of what is natural and normal. We are getting used to receiving information about death and terrorist threats. The unnatural disasters caused by politics and people with power are becoming more global and they don’t leave us room or possibility to escape.”
excerpt from Darina’s atatement. More of her work here

© Darina Peeva, from the series (un)natural disasters, 2012

© Darina Peeva, from the series (un)natural disasters, 2012

I am reminded of Walter de Maria 1960 text On the Importance of Natural Disasters:

I think natural disasters have been looked upon in the wrong way.
Newspapers always say they are bad. a shame.
I like natural disasters and I think that they may be the highest form of art possible to experience.
For one thing they are impersonal.
I don’t think art can stand up to nature.
Put the best object you know next to the grand canyon, Niagra falls, the red woods.
The big things always win.
Now just think of a flood, forest fire, tornado, earthquake, Typhoon, sand storm.
Think of the breaking of the Ice jams. Crunch.
If all of the people who go to museums could just feel an earthquake.
Not to mention the sky and the ocean.
But it is in the unpredictable disasters that the highest forms are realized.
They are rare and we should be thankful for them.