Scattered "fragments of home" | SCôP Moments X Prix Pictet

Refrigerator on Franklin Avenue

Portraits of Loss from an Unnatural Disaster 

Chris Jordan, 2005 [water]

Photographer Chris Jordan captured the tragedy of the largest natural disaster in American history in New Orleans in November and December in 2005. In "In Katrina's Wake: Portraits of Loss from an Unnatural Disaster", the 50 photographs in the series superimpose the horror of destruction with the incredible beauty of nature.

There is the evidence to indicate that the force of Hurricane Katrina was not simply a run-of-the-mill disaster, but once exacerbated by global warming. Industrial construction, air pollution, and land deterioration are all man-made factors that cause global warming. In this disaster, thousands of Americans lost everything they had. Their homes were destroyed, historical remains were washed away, and natural landscapes were uprooted. The effects of this disaster continue to impact the lives of people in the area affected through to today.

Chris Jordan recorded scenes that question the failure of the government's early warning system and the emergency response, as well as the fragile ecological environment and the ongoing situation of poverty in the region. Each of these circumstances increased the harm done by the hurricane to the local communities. Chris Jordan hopes that his photos can encourage people to reflect on the role we each play in the world. For the occurrence of such terrible disasters, people have to become more aware of the fact of global warming and the frequent occurrence of natural disasters, and take responsibility for the consequences.