Lara Phoenix Jennings-Barr
she/her
Human Traces in Retreat
My work explores the ongoing impacts of coastal erosion on human environments drawing on the symbolism of loss and transformation. I use Polaroid emulsion transfers on rocks collected from eroding shorelines such as Dun Laoghaire and Greystones, creating a visual connection between manmade and nature through fragments of the very landscape at risk. These rocks form a landslide piece as a collection, showcasing snapshots of affected areas.
I use damaged monoprints of the affected land to reflect the broken edges of coastlines. These techniques emphasise fragility, the passage of time and absence, allowing the physical materials and processes to resonate with the themes of erosion and impermanence. By working directly with natural surfaces and embracing the unpredictability of image decay, the series highlights the uneasy relationship between human development and natural change.
The Waiting Tide, monoprint on paper, 150 x 150cm
Landslide, Polaroid emulsion on rock
Tide's Embrace, monoprint, 15 x 21cm
Memory of the Land, Polaroid emulsion transfer on rock
Empty Space, Photo negative on plastic, 21 x 30cm
Shadows of the Tides, monoprint on paper, 21 x 30cm
Steps to the Sea, monoprint, 42 x 60cm
Ephemeral Imprint, Polaroid on stone
The Price of Progress? 13 x 19cm