On the Geography of Green by Linarejos Moreno
Linarejos Moreno's work, traverses the intricate relationship between landscape, geographical perspectives, and cultural representations. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, Moreno intertwines artistic creation with geographical reality, bringing to light the constant tension and confluence among various fields of knowledge. Her work reflects on how modern society manages and perceives territory, emphasizing the cultural, social, and political dimensions embedded within the concept of landscape.
A pivotal influence on Moreno's work is the 19th-century Naturgemälde (nature painting) by Alexander von Humboldt. Humboldt's explorations and his depiction of nature's interdependencies serve as a foundational model for Moreno. By revisiting Humboldt’s methodologies and visual compositions, Moreno critically examines contemporary issues in landscape representation. Her work juxtaposes Humboldt's historical context with modern technological advancements, such as satellite data, to explore how these representations have evolved and what they reveal about our understanding of nature and geography.
Moreno's projects engage in a critical dialogue with traditional modes of landscape representation and the knowledge systems they perpetuate. She challenges the supposed neutrality and objectivity of these systems, unveiling their cultural and political dimensions. Through her art, Moreno re-enacts the cultural and technological shifts from Humboldt’s time to the present, offering a critical lens on the omissions and biases that shape our perception of landscapes. Her work is described as meta-photographic, meta-pictorial, and meta-scientific, blending scientific methodologies with artistic representation to probe deeper into the complexities of geographical knowledge.
Beyond artistic critique, Moreno's work addresses broader social and environmental issues, including the effects of colonialism, neoliberalism, and racial segregation. Her projects, such as "On the Geography of Green," "On the Geography of Red," "On the Geography of the River," and "On the Geography of Chthulucene,"
the Chthulucene focuses on recognizing and valuing the complex relationships and interdependencies among all living beings on the planet, rather than highlighting human dominance. It’s about understanding that humans are just one part of a vast, intricate web of life, and it calls for a more responsible and ethical approach to living on Earth, one that respects and nurtures these connections.
delve into themes of memory, absence, and the human-nature relationship. By integrating feminist and civil rights perspectives, Moreno's work underscores the need for a more inclusive and critical approach to landscape studies, advocating for the recognition of overlooked voices and histories in the understanding of our environment.
