WoodBergs: A Surreal Exploration of Nature's Destruction

Photographer Patrizia Dottori Captures the Beauty and Consequences of Deforestation

WoodBergs is a captivating photography series by Patrizia Dottori that explores the destructive consequences of deforestation. This unique project is one of seven works on the elements of nature, with a focus on flora. The images, belonging to the Winter series, depict trees cut and ready to be distributed and transformed.

What sets WoodBergs apart is Dottori's use of surreal expression through negative inversion. This technique, which she began using in 2008, reinforces the concept she wants to express: increasing awareness of the consequences of our actions on the environment. By presenting the images in negative, Dottori challenges viewers to question their impact on the planet.

The realization of the WoodBergs project involved a combination of modern technology and artistic vision. Dottori captured the photographs using her smartphone, a Samsung S7edge, in raw format. She stumbled upon a carpentry where she found the trees cut down and ready to be transformed, providing her with a unique moment to document.

After capturing the images, Dottori used Adobe Photoshop to invert them, as she did with the other pictures in the project. This inversion enhances the colors and intensifies the message of destruction. The final step was printing the images directly on aluminum, adding depth and vibrancy to the photographs.

The specifications of the WoodBergs series include images printed in negative on aluminum, measuring 900 mm x 650 mm with a depth of 0.5 mm. These dimensions allow the photographs to command attention and immerse viewers in the surreal world of deforestation.

WoodBergs challenges viewers to confront the consequences of deforestation and reflect on their role in safeguarding the planet. Dottori's artistic eye and technical expertise create beautiful and mysterious images that captivate and provoke thought. By increasing visibility and awareness, she hopes to inspire action towards a better world.

The WoodBergs project began in November 2012 in New Canaan, Connecticut, and was last presented in April 2015 in Rome. The Winter series, featuring these previously unseen photographs, was captured in 2017. Dottori's ongoing research on nature and flora aims to awaken consciousness about the environmental problem and elicit emotional responses from viewers.

WoodBergs has received recognition for its powerful message and artistic execution. The project was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in Photography and Photo Manipulation Design in 2021. This prestigious award honors well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements, contributing to a better world.

Experience the surreal beauty and thought-provoking impact of WoodBergs, where art and environmental rights merge to create a powerful call to action. Join Patrizia Dottori on her journey to safeguard nature and inspire change.