Environmental images and imaginary landscapes

Abstract

Lola Young discusses the work of photographer Ingrid Pollard, and looks at the extent to which environmental issues are racialised, including in relation to issues of population control and environmental degradation. Cities are often represented as breeding crime, disease and alienated subjects, while the English countryside is held up as a repository of values, culture and heritage. Although the range of locations and occupations in which black people may be found has expanded over the years, old stereotypes persist. Pollard addresses this in her work, including her work on the Lea Valley in East London, which looks at the 'country within the city'.