(2007 – 2009 Hungary & France)

Hungary has seen a major change in economic terms since the end of the socialist-
era, and since joining the EU in 2005. Big developments in and around
the city have started to take place, and they are changing the natural-urban
landscape for ever. Development is vital, shall we say. But in what terms? In
what ways? For what price?
Constructions effect the life of people. It not only changes the way we perceive
the landscape, but it also transforms the way we live our day-to-day lives. Often
changes are sudden, and simple people are not involved in the decisions.
I show construction sites as unnatural, deserted places, all scaled down to the
dimensions of a child`s toys. Machines become toys, enourmous piles of rock
and earth become a small heap of sand: the definite transformation of our environment
is in question.
My series questions the necessity and the process of development through the
changing of human environment. Is there a sustainable way of doing it? Is it a
change for good? Where is the human side of constructions?
I am using 6×9 colour slide roll film, with a large format camera that allows me
to use the shift and tilt technique combined with a small depth of field.
I started this series in 2007 in Hungary, documenting construction sites.
As part of my Andre Kertesz Photography Grant, I kept on working on this series
in France, around suburban and downtown areas of Paris between August and
October 2009.