A Journey Through Change and Beauty
In a world often defined by conflict and violence, the notion of impermanence becomes not only a topic of reflection but also a source of fascination. As someone who has spent years working in confronting environments, I find myself drawn to the fleeting nature of reality—where everything is in a constant state of flux and nothing lasts forever. This photography theme resonates deeply with me, both as a sociologist and a photographer.

The Challenge of Accepting Impermanence
Impermanence can be a difficult concept to embrace. It challenges our innate desire for stability, security, and continuity. Our obsession with preserving moments—be it human experiences or the beauty of the natural world—often leads us to strive for a sense of perfection that is, quite frankly, unattainable. This drive can manifest as an urge to ‘perfect’ imperfection, crafting new truths that often fall short of the essence of reality.
This complex relationship between what is human-made and what is shaped by nature is at the heart of my exploration into impermanence. Whether through the hands of industrialisation or the gentle touch of erosion, time plays a crucial role in this dialogue, reminding us that change is not only inevitable but also beautiful.

Wabi-Sabi: The Beauty of Imperfection
In his insightful work, The Photographer’s Mind, Michael Freeman delves into the varying perceptions of imperfection across cultures. He notes that while Western Romanticism may have celebrated an idealised notion of beauty, East Asia offers a different perspective through the lens of wabi-sabi. This Japanese aesthetic embraces the humble and the simple (wabi) and finds beauty in the old and discoloured (sabi).
Wabi-sabi represents a profound acceptance of the transient nature of life, evolving from a once darker and more negative viewpoint into a celebration of impermanence. It teaches us that there is beauty in the fleeting moments, in the scars and the signs of age that tell our stories.

The Intersection of Humanity and Nature
In this project, I seek to explore the delicate interplay between human constructs and the forces of nature. How do our built environments reflect our desire for permanence, and how does nature’s erosion challenge that? This dialogue is rich with potential for discovery, and it invites us to reconsider our relationship with the world around us.
By capturing these themes through photography, I hope to illustrate that while nothing lasts forever, the moments we experience are imbued with beauty, even in their transience. It is this beauty that invites us to look closer, to appreciate the intricate dance between what is constructed and what is allowed to simply be.
In embracing impermanence, we may find not only acceptance but also a profound sense of connection to the world and its ever-changing narrative. As we navigate this journey together, let us celebrate the fleeting, the imperfect, and the beautifully transient nature of our existence.
For more insights into this theme, explore Michael Freeman’s photography work here.
