Shannon Benine

Foreign Waste, 2004

This series delves into the hidden landscapes of our consumer society, documenting hazardous and non-hazardous waste recycling and treatment plants within Seattle and Tacoma, Washington in 2004. Utilizing long night exposures with color photographic film, I transformed these often-overlooked sites into compelling visual narratives. The extended exposures bathed the industrial landscapes in an ethereal glow, revealing the intricate machinery and mountains of discarded materials in a new and unsettling light. This technique illuminated the sheer volume of waste our society generates and the complex systems required to manage it, creating a sense of both wonder and unease.

'Foreign Waste' is more than a mere documentation of industrial processes; it is a reflection on our collective responsibility. The series prompts viewers to confront the environmental and ethical implications of our consumption habits, questioning the 'out of sight, out of mind' mentality that often pervades our relationship with waste. By illuminating these hidden spaces with the vibrant colors of film, I aimed to spark a dialogue about the urgent need for sustainable practices and a more conscious approach to our impact on the planet.