Tag: Cancer Valley

While visiting the State of Emergency exhibit, I found myself drawn to Richard Misrach’s “Swamp and Pipeline, Geismar, Louisiana.” This large photograph captures the ruinous effects of petrochemical factories along the Mississippi River. While the foul, green water and decaying wildlife are intended to show the detrimental ecological effects of the petrochemical companies, the photograph also draws attention to the economic and quality of life issues present in the region. This region, nicknamed “Cancer Alley” suffers from extreme poverty and increased rates of cancer among its inhabitants. Cancer Valley is composed of a mainly African- American population whose voices have been drowned out by the pro-industry legislation of the region. “Swamp and Pipeline, Geisha, Louisiana” serves as an important social and environmental commentary on a forgotten region of the United States. It is important to note, Cancer Valley is not only an environmental disaster, but a socio-economic disaster as well[1].

I found Misrach’s choice to utilize large photograph to create his artistic thesis to be well engineered. As a viewer, I was immediately drawn to the environmental desolation the photograph documents. While viewing the green water and decaying plant life in the photograph, the audience seeks to understand what is causing these uncommon effects. The answer lies squarely in the middle of the photograph; the pipeline is the culprit. The position of the pipeline in the photograph leaves no doubt as to whom Misrach views as the offending party.

It is useful to note Misrach’s decision to photograph a swamp to portray the deleterious effects of the petrochemical companies. Swamps are often referred to as wastelands. The contaminants present in the water only enforce the wasteland motif. The swamp allows Misrach to characterize Cancer Alley as an abandoned region of the country. Misrach seeks to remind those that view his photograph that despite our best efforts to protect our natural ecosystems, there are still regions in the United States ruined by industry. Misrach’s attention seems to be specifically drawn to the South. “Swamp and Pipeline, Geismar, Louisiana” appeared in various other exhibits, with one entitled “Revisiting the South: Richard Misrach’s Cancer Alley[2].” This intense focus on the southern region of the United States struck me as important to understanding Misrach’s message. Misrach photographs images from a region that is notoriously poorer, unhealthier, and more pro-business than its northern counterpart. Misrach’ photograph attempts to comment on all of these issues present in the region.

As Americans, we are familiar with our own ruinous effects on the environment, however, the effects from the pollution by the petrochemical companies in Cancer Alley transcend their mere ecological impact. Cancer Alley is not only polluted physically, but socially and economically as well. This photograph serves as useful tool to prove that some disasters are not as straightforward as they seem—some effects may be below the surface.