Devastation Disguised - A Siren's Call

This piece serves as a reminder that devastation is sometimes wrapped up in a pretty package. Reminiscent of the sirens of Greek mythology, the fragrant and beautiful blooms of the non-native Wisteria sinensis lured American horticulturists to import the vine in the 1800s; not realizing its destructive nature until it was too late. Growing aggressively and overtaking the landscape, it strangles trees, shrubs and even structures. The next time you see it, pay attention to the vines; they’re quietly suffocating whatever they’re attached to and depending on us to be too mesmerized by the blooms to notice.

This image was captured on CineStill 800T 35mm film stock. To showcase the physical nature of the medium, I elect to retain the organic frame on the image that occurs when scanning the entire film negative up to the sprockets. To further highlight this detail, the archival cotton paper is float mounted and features a hand torn deckled edge.

---

---

Medium