Mother Earth: A Striking Portrait of Our Planet's Plight

Naseer Behbehani's Award-Winning Photograph Captures Earth's Environmental Crisis

Naseer Behbehani, a renowned photographer, drew inspiration from his childhood memories of longer, colder winters. Observing the effects of global warming, Behbehani felt compelled to depict Earth as a sick woman adorned with elements of nature. His choice of an African model was a deliberate nod to Africa's close connection with nature.

The uniqueness of Behbehani's design lies in its ability to translate Earth's suffering into human emotion, thereby drawing attention to the pressing issue of environmental pollution. The makeup, inspired by oceans, plants, and soil, along with the dying flowers on the model's head, symbolize the planet's declining health. The model's vulnerability and sadness further emphasize the severity of the situation.

The realization of this concept involved a detailed sketch for the makeup artist to understand the concept. Behbehani used a Canon 5d Mark ii camera and Lightroom and Photoshop software to bring his vision to life. The photograph was shot in Kuwait in 2015, with the makeup and shooting taking around three hours and an additional two hours for retouching.

Despite the challenge of finding an African model due to the scarcity of modeling agencies at the time, Behbehani persevered. His research involved studying other artists' interpretations of Earth in human form and creating his own sketches to communicate his vision to the makeup artist.

"Mother Earth" is more than just a photograph; it's an interactive piece designed to engage viewers emotionally. By looking closely at the model's face, viewers can decipher her emotions and, by extension, Earth's plight. This innovative approach to environmental advocacy earned Behbehani a Silver A' Photography and Photo Manipulation Design Award in 2020.

In conclusion, Naseer Behbehani's "Mother Earth" is a powerful portrayal of our planet's environmental crisis. Through his unique approach, Behbehani not only highlights the issue but also encourages viewers to reflect on their role in Earth's plight. As we continue to grapple with environmental challenges, "Mother Earth" serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of our situation.