The Dead Sea is Dying
The project aims to create a deeper understanding of the severe consequences of human activities on the land and its… Read More
This documentary portfolio tells the story of the Dead Sea, a region that has been severely impacted by climate change, water diversion and industry. The series aims to create a deeper understanding of the severe consequences of human activities on the land and its people. Additionally, it will serve as a call for cooperation between Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, to come together and work towards preserving this fragile ecosystem. Through this project, I hope to emphasize the role of humans in shaping the environment and to inspire hope for its preservation and rejuvenation.
Created in January 2023, the series portrays the compelling story of the rapid decline of the Dead Sea: the devastating impact of climate change, industry and humans on the land and its inhabitants. It aims to move, touch and inspire people to take action, care for the environment and preserve nature for future generations. My goal is to raise awareness and to be a catalyst for change. This work serves as a timely reminder that our planet is vulnerable.
Over the last 60 years, the Dead Sea has been shrinking as its main water sources have been depleted – the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. Fertilizer and chemical companies evaporate its water to extract minerals. New dams are diverting water that would otherwise reach the Dead Sea. In addition, the amount of rainwater reaching the sea has also diminished since flash floods started pouring into sinkholes. As a result, its water levels have been dropping by more than 1.3 meters per year and its surface area has shrunk by 40%!
Thousands of sinkholes have resulted from the drying up of the water and the surrounding ground. Hotels and spas that once lined the waterfront are now hundreds of meters away from the shoreline while many resorts and beaches have been forced to close down. Fences with signs warning of sinkholes line much of the northern coast, whose dry brown expanse is also dotted with abandoned date palm groves, closed roads, and shuttered buildings.
The portfolio will include personal stories told by people who were adversely impacted by the geological and ecological phenomena. Their stories will offer a third dimension to the work, providing an insight into individual lives. Photographs come to life with words, bringing authenticity and depth to the collection. It will culminate with a touring exhibition featuring large-format prints, engaging video clips, artist talks and a book. The exhibition will be promoted to schools and young people, exposing them to world-class photography of a foreign land and different cultures. I am currently looking for a suitable venue for an exhibition which will bring the story of the Dead Sea to the front of the public eye.
The Dead Sea is Dying
Synopsis
This documentary portfolio tells the story of the Dead Sea, a region that has been severely impacted by climate change, water diversion and industry. The series aims to create a deeper understanding of the severe consequences of human activities on the land and its people. Additionally, it will serve as a call for cooperation between Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, to come together and work towards preserving this fragile ecosystem. Through this project, I hope to emphasize the role of humans in shaping the environment and to inspire hope for its preservation and rejuvenation..
The series portrays the compelling story of the rapid decline of the Dead Sea: the devastating impact of climate change, industry and humans on the land and its inhabitants. It aims to move, touch and inspire people to take action, care for the environment and preserve nature for future generations. My goal is to raise awareness and to be a catalyst for change. This work serves as a timely reminder that our planet is vulnerable.
Over the last 60 years, the Dead Sea has been shrinking as its main water sources have been depleted - the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. Fertilizer and chemical companies evaporate its water to extract minerals. New dams are diverting water that would otherwise reach the Dead Sea. In addition, the amount of rainwater reaching the sea has also diminished since flash floods started pouring into sinkholes. As a result, its water levels have been dropping by more than 1.3 meters per year and its surface area has shrunk by 40%!
The project will include personal stories told by people who were adversely impacted by the geological and ecological phenomena. Their stories will offer a third dimension to the work, providing an insight into individual lives. Photographs come to life with words, bringing authenticity and depth to the collection.
Thousands of sinkholes have resulted from the drying up of the water and the surrounding ground. Hotels and spas that once lined the waterfront are now hundreds of meters away from the shoreline while many resorts and beaches have been forced to close down.
Fences with signs warning of sinkholes line much of the northern coast, whose dry brown expanse is also dotted with abandoned date palm groves, closed roads, and shuttered buildings.
The project will culminate with a touring exhibition featuring large-format prints, engaging video clips, artist talks and a book. The exhibition will be promoted to schools and young people, exposing them to world-class photography of a foreign land and different cultures. I am currently looking for a suitable venue for an exhibition which will bring the story of the Dead Sea to the front of the public eye.
(c) Ilan Wittenberg
(c) Ilan Wittenberg
