Through his work, Zammit-Lucia is driving two major changes in the world of conservation and environmental photography. First of all he sees his work as expressive rather than representational. Moving away from the ‘straight,’ almost photojournalistic representations that are the daily fare of nature photography, he uses bold compositions, dramatic use of space, unusual cropping and striking colors used sparingly to engage the viewer emotionally with the subject. One cannot help but be touched by these images.
Secondly, he prefers to focus on the positive rather than the negative. “Much environmental photography focuses on the shocking, the negative, the destructive. But the shocking is commonplace and viewers today are becoming inured to the daily bombardment by negative imagery” he says. “My aim is to focus on the positive; to elevate the subject to a higher level while highlighting areas of progress in the task of environmental preservation. I believe that this may encourage many to join in the efforts to create
a sustainable environment shared with a diverse variety of animal and plant species.”
In this, the artist claims to draw inspiration from the words of French neo-classical writer Roland Barthes: “Ultimately, Photography is subversive not when it frightens, repels, or even stigmatizes, but when it is pensive, when it thinks.”
This powerful, expressive approach that positively engages our emotions was recently on display in the artist’s solo exhibition at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Dr Zammit-Lucia’s “Fauves” portfolio and other work is causing a stir in the art world. Collectors of these images are satisfied in the knowledge that they are not just acquiring captivating images issued in limited editions; they are also making a direct financial contribution to environmental conservation.
Sadness Archival Digital Print 20”x 13”
Disappearing Archival Digital Print 20”x 13”