Beyond the Oecumene
2019 - 2023
Human development has undeniably altered our planet's natural systems, causing significant environmental shifts such as rising global temperatures, ocean warming, glacial retreat, sea level rise, and ocean acidification. Geography, therefore, transcends mere Earth description; it encompasses humanity's historical interactions with the planet's surface and the profound impact we continue to exert worldwide.
Beyond the Oecumene explores anthropogeography, focusing on the geographical distribution of humanity and the intricate relationship between humans and their environment. Unlike traditional depictions, this series deliberately avoids portraying human dominance. Instead, it envisions a world either before civilization's rise or beyond its peak, where nature reigns supreme in untouched, unspoiled harmony.
Structured Plexiglas overlays introduce optical distortions, prompting viewers to pause and observe. As the pictorial elements unfold, the series invites contemplation on a visual narrative where reality and fantasy seamlessly merge. This interplay encourages individuals to reconsider their orientation within a world where tangible and fantastical dimensions coexist.
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As a side note: The term "oecumene" historically referred to the inhabited or habitable world in ancient Greek and Roman contexts. In modern usage, it relates to the ecumenical Christian Church as a unified entity or, more broadly, to global civilization. In cartography, it also denotes a specific type of world map used in late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.