Estate Succession

In the latest issue of Atmos, Volume 03: Flourish/Collapse, acclaimed photographer Pieter Hugo delves into the concepts of identity and purpose in youth through a series of striking photographs.

The photographs challenge the notion that youth is solely capitalised upon and exploited by capitalism, instead showcasing the wildness and freedom of youth in contrast to the rules and regulations of society. Young men and women are depicted in natural landscapes, reflecting a thematic emphasis on connection with nature or a deliberate contrast to more industrial settings.

The publication does not equate nature's decay with civilizational decay, nor does it challenge the notion that youth is solely capitalised upon and exploited by capitalism in its current content. Instead, it focuses on young people as agents of change, not as afflicted, compromised, or crazed.

The photographs feature various conservation heroes, including Sylvia Earle, Elizabeth L. Cline, Ben Toms, Sam Rock, Stefanie Moshammer, Liliana Merizalde, Kristin-Lee Moolman, Gareth McConnell, and Pieter Hugo himself. The publication includes stories about the Extinction Rebellion and the women warriors of the Amazon, inviting readers to ponder if human beings have disrupted the natural cycle of expansion and collapse or if we are paving the way for the next species to thrive.

Atmos Volume 03: Flourish/Collapse also raises questions about nature's balance and human impact on it. It asks if it is still possible for humans to return to a point of flourishing without collapse, inviting readers to reflect on their role in preserving the planet for future generations.

The project was inspired by a friend who chose a Xanax pill as a symbol of youth, representing anxiety and panic. Despite this sombre inspiration, the photographs in Atmos Volume 03: Flourish/Collapse offer a hopeful and empowering vision of youth and their potential to drive positive change for the environment.

For those interested in conservation and the intersection of youth, nature, and society, Atmos Volume 03: Flourish/Collapse is a must-read. However, the publication does not provide specific information about where it can be purchased.