2015-2020 — USA
About this series
Andrei Duman often turns his lens toward the unusual and often unsettling corners of our world: salt flats, mining operations, dried-out lakes, and polluted water reservoirs. His striking images tell a poignant story about the devastating impact of industrial activities on our environment.
Take, for example, salt flats. These natural formations have existed for thousands of years, historically crucial for food preservation. However, salt flats pose significant environmental problems today. Many contain chemicals like lithium, which is toxic to humans and wildlife.
Climate change exacerbates the issue, causing these flats to dry up more rapidly, leaving behind salt and dust that the wind easily picks up. This phenomenon has severe consequences. In Salt Lake City, Utah, the proximity to the Great Salt Lake has led to a noticeable decline in air quality due to the salt and dust particles carried by the wind.
Duman’s photographs of mining operations reveal another facet of industrial impact. Mining not only scars the landscape but also often involves the use of harmful chemicals to extract valuable materials from the earth. These chemicals can leach into the surrounding environment, causing long-term damage. The reservoirs near these sites often display unnatural colors, a visible indicator of the high levels of pollution in their waters.
A poignant example of nature’s decline is Lake Owens in California. Early settlers diverted water from this lake to support agriculture and burgeoning towns. As populations grew, so did the demand for water. Global warming has further hastened Lake Owens’ demise, as water evaporates faster than it can be replenished. Today, Lake Owens is a shadow of its former self. It is also a significant source of air pollution as the wind carries dust and residue from its dried-up beds, affecting the health and quality of life in the surrounding area.
Photographer: Andrei Duman
Nationality: British
Based in: Los Angeles, USA
Website: andreiduman.com / aureliesgallery.com
Instagram: @andreidumanphotography
Andrei Duman was born in Romania and grew up in England where he became a professional tennis player. After retiring from the sport, he went on to work in banking before turning to photography. What started as a creative outlet has since become a full-fledged career, working for major clients and traveling the world for inspiration.
When not on a client shoot, Andrei Duman can be found in his studio working on multiple projects, all in different stages of production and experimentation. Creatively envisioning concepts for a shoot and problem-solving real-time issues to successfully achieve his vision are one of his favorite things to do.
Andrei Duman lives in Los Angeles with his wife Susan and their 2 cats, Foo and Smash. He is a Field Instructor and Ambassador for Phase One Cameras and hosts the f-stop webinars, “Knowledge Labs.”