The Earth has always acted as both cradle and mother to humanity—sometimes encouraging, sometimes punishing. From a philosophical perspective on the universe, we recognize that paying attention to nature and the environment we inhabit is, in fact, paying attention to human existence and identity. Yet contemporary humans have distanced themselves from this truth, treating nature as something separate from themselves.

Human violence, interventions in terrestrial ecosystems, and the overexploitation of natural resources have disrupted nature’s regenerative processes and accelerated its destruction. Therefore, it is vital to address the impacts of human life and actions on the natural world, and environmental preservation must become a continuous and ingrained aspect of modern culture. The question arises: is humanity’s role in the path of nature to enhance life, or to diminish its flourishing?

In this project, in search of an answer, Elahe examined the mysterious relationship between humans and nature and its effects on ecological degradation. The objective of the project is to engage with the preservation of life forms and the environment. This video art piece combines footage of a buffalo carcass in the Hour al-Azim Marsh in southwestern Iran with imagery of the sea.

Elahe Panahi’s intention in combining these images is to draw attention to the drying of the Hour al-Azim Marsh, which is on the brink of complete disappearance due to excessive oil extraction. The buffalo is a species that has lived in this region for centuries.

The project hopes to inspire collective action to protect the environment, particularly in the preservation of lakes and wetlands around the world.

– 2023, Shiraz, Iran
Music: Le rêve des baleines mortes by Soheil Peyghambari