Lastlight: A Plea for Ocean Conservation Through Fine Art Photography

Roberta Borges' Award-Winning Project Sheds Light on Ocean Pollution

The ocean served as Borges' inspiration, a metaphor for life learned from her days as a surfer competitor. She chose to capture the last light of the day, using the darkness to emphasize light and form. This artistic choice was a metaphorical expression of her concern for the sea's current state of neglect. The darkness represents death, and the light signifies life, a poignant reminder of the ocean's fragile state.

The project's unique properties lie in its meticulous execution. Images were captured under specific conditions, including light, tide, wave volume, and wind. The final photograph does not undergo extensive post-production, highlighting the precision of image capture. The ideal light appears only moments before dusk, providing limited opportunities for the perfect shot. The result is a direct exploration of the importance of ecological preservation of the sea.

Borges used a Canon 5 D Mark II for the project, with low light and high speed. Adobe Photoshop CS6 software was used for digital post-processing. The images were printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art Paper, with a final assembly format of 120 cm x 90 cm. The prints were limited to 10 for each picture, framed.

The project began in 2011 and concluded in 2018, in Garopaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Borges' research involved personal observation of the impact of sea waves on the coast and their effects. The objective was to identify the effects of waves that express the contrast between good and bad. The impact of the images is a stark contrast between light and darkness in different shapes, aiming to motivate businesses and governments to take necessary measures to change the oceans' dramatic situation.

One of the creative challenges Borges faced was finding a way to address the ocean's polluted reality in an artistic form. She wanted to create images that would impact people subliminally, using real dramatic photographs to convince a broad range of cultural society, which plays a significant role in social action. The use of light and darkness as a metaphor for life and death referring to the Ocean was her solution to this challenge.

In conclusion, "Lastlight" is a powerful artistic project that highlights the importance of ecological and environmental preservation. Borges' use of light and darkness creates a unique, intimate maritime atmosphere that serves as a stark reminder of the increasing pollution threatening our oceans. This project is a testament to the power of art in driving social change and the crucial role of artists in raising awareness about pressing environmental issues.