21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Scenery of Human traces

This photograph captures the red rust on a Victorian bridge made of steel from the British Industrial Revolution, creating a woven scenery with human, natural, and temporal elements in monochrome. Located in the heart of London, this bridge stands as a remnant of the greatest era of the British Empire. Simultaneously, this photograph reflects the decaying process of the iron in the bridge. However, what else can this possibly reflect...? Perhaps the origins of current issues we are facing at the moment, such as global warming and environmental pollution. As the wind and rain gradually weather industrial objects from the Victorian era, the environmental impact resulting from the onset of the Industrial Revolution is becoming increasingly noticeable worldwide. This scene communicates that the impact of human activity remains much longer than the lifespan of the structures we build, prompting contemplation on how human footprints will be etched into the future of our planet even if we cease to exist.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: London, United Kingdom
Camera: ILCE-7M4
Copyright: © Taihei Soejima