Sinking land

 

Many of the alterations of land are treated as given in the perception of everyday life because humans are willing to accept a certain degree of transformation of their habitat. What happens if this affects the ability to support ourselves. How far can we resist? The survey of Brea Souders on the coast of Louisiana goes in this direction. She does it in a natural way, by questioning people through their glances, gestures, signs, artifacts and by returning fragments of living stories rather than dying places.

 

«I became interested in the disappearing Louisiana coast after reading a book called “Bayou Farewell” by Mike Tidwell. The book documents the author’s personal experiences along the Louisiana coast, and describes the challenges faced by the families living along the coast as a result of the eroding earth. The bayou landscape of Louisiana has been mythologized in literature and American culture, and the idea of this culture dying made a huge impact on me. I knew I needed to see it for myself. At the most basic level, living is how we support ourselves and our families with food and shelter. But for many, living is also about belonging, and the desire to cling to family roots and traditions. For many people living along the Louisiana coast, their way of life has not changed much in over a century. Sustenance is derived directly from the land, and multiple generations of families all live within walking distance to one another. The eroding of the coast is creating a huge disruption in the familiar way of life and families are struggling to find new ways to survive. Their sense of identity and history is challenged.

One of the most threatened pieces of land along the coast is called Isle de Jean Charles. This strip of land has been home to the Biloxi-Chitimacha Indian tribe since the 1800’s. It is a very insular community, and they have been able to live off this small island by fishing. As of this year, they are planning to relocate entirely due to constant flooding and land that is sinking into the surrounding water. Here I photographed the “Bottles & Shells” because it had the presence of a monument, and it felt hopeful. It was in the backyard of a house that was gradually sinking into the water. I photographed several more of these collections - all of which seemed to be about good fortune and hope».

Photo:

© Courtesy of Brea Souders

www.breasouders.com

(click on the image at right for more pictures)