Gallery

 

This image depicts humankind, specifically men, as the pinnacle of the evolution of species. Man stands atop the pyramid, but without the discovery of technology and the embrace of Promethean values, would we not be on the same tier as the rest of the Earth’s organisms? The advanced development of the human brain allows us to manipulate and create new technologies that set us apart from other organisms on the planet. Something else to note about this image is the placement of the woman below the man: to what extent do Promethean values have undertones of gender bias? This is one of the many questions worth considering that challenge the validity and ethics of the Anthropocene.

http://bestialoblivion.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/anthro1-2.jpg

 

This image illustrates the over consumption of Earth’s resources by man as well as mankind’s refusal to acknowledge its part in the destruction of the environment. The image features an anthropomorphic figure consuming large chunks of the Earth as if it were food. This shows the belief that the Earth was created for the consumption and utilization of man. Because this figure is overweight, the image demonstrates the over consumption of the Earth’s resources. Since the figure is facing away from the Earth, it does not have the ability, or perhaps the desire, to acknowledge the damage caused by his rampant consumption.

http://mariepelin.m143.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/45/files/2014/01/the-anthropocene-era.jpg

 

This image depicts wreckage from the Chernobyl nuclear accident. In the image, you can see remnants of a fairgrounds being re-consumed by nature. This role reversal of traditional anthropocentric viewpoints gives dominance to nature over humans. The technology humans have relied on for so long has now backfired, leaving the area free to be consumed by nature. This exemplifies that no matter the extent to which humans abuse resources and the earth, nature will show resilience over man.

http://kissingitbetter.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/chernobyl-4.jpg

 

What is a maneater, when faced with a man? Logic says a maneater should be the dominant, winning figure, however the development of human technology along with Promethean values has led to a role-reversal in this relationship. In this image, technology emphasizes is the difference between life and death for the shark.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/27/article-2042569-0E1B96A700000578-98_634x423.jpg

 

Mount Rushmore is a perfect representation of the man’s domination of nature, and his use of Promethean power. With the use of tools and technology, humans were yet again able to “sculpt” nature to match an unnecessary desire. This image is the perfect depiction of human arrogance; we, as a society, are so enamored by the men who helped bring our technological society to fruition, that we felt the need to make them an everlasting part of our nation’s topography. The building of Mt. Rushmore also aligns with the idea that nature does not exist, and that Earth is simply a mass of resources and materials to be disposed of and used at the hands of man.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Mount_Rushmore_National_Memorial.jpg