Lothar Baumgarten
Matteawan/Fishkill

Matteawan/Fishkill reflects Baumgarten's anthropological interest in the disappearance of indigenous cultures. The collection stems from a sound project consisting of a recording taken at a location once inhabited by Native Americans, later subsumed by a brick manufacturer during the height of American urban expansion. The images of fallen trees, broken branches, and abandoned objects are indicative of the area's industrial past and subsequent abandonment. Despite the hard-hitting cultural critique, these prints are captivating and evocative, prompting reflection on the continuous battle between nature and culture.