The new “Landscape Interrupted” art exhibit at the Coconino Center for the Arts (CCA) features a collection of 72 images showcasing the interactions between people and their environment.

Elizabeth Vogler, interim gallery manager of the CCA, said the images seen in “Landscape Interrupted” are thoughtfully original environmental artworks.

“The exhibit feels more conceptual than other landscape photography,” Vogler said. “Many of the images hold some mystery, causing the viewer to think about the impact of humans, of architecture, of civilization on the environment.” 

Joe Cornett, program coordinator for Flagstaff Cultural Partners, said the idea behind the exhibit dates back 35 years.

“[An art exhibit in 1975 called “New Topographics”] introduced photography to landscape shots that aren’t natural or utopian,” Cornett said. “There was a worldwide reaction still seen to this day.”

With this overlying theme of man-versus-nature, Vogler said there are a couple ways of viewing each picture.

The first way of looking at these pictures focuses on the placement of manmade buildings in conjunction with their surroundings.

“The structures stand out in the photo as disruptive of the natural environment,” Vogler said. “That is what makes the photos so strong.”

A second way to look at these photos would be man’s interaction and growth.

“Another sub-theme I see is the manipulation of nature because of a human element that had been placed,” Vogler said. “[This includes] the images of trees that bend out of shape because of a phone line growing through it, or houses built too closely to the foliage.”

These different styles came together with the help of artists from around the country working with similar themes. More than 70 photographers submitted entries, but only 22 were chosen to participate in the event.

“We looked at the quality of work that best conveyed the vision of the show,” Cornett said. “People will see their work and understand my vision.”

One of these artists, Joel Wolfson, is from Flagstaff. Wolfson said he originally felt limited by man’s growth and the theme behind “Landscape Interrupted,” but he eventually came to accept the inevitable.

“I grew up idolizing photographers [who] depicted pristine landscapes seemingly free of human influence,” Wolfson said. “I spent a lot of years fighting power lines, roads and many other manmade elements. The work I have in this show is the opposite and essentially embraces the interaction of humans and their environment.”

Cornett said this interaction is often ignored, leading to a much more riveting experience upon viewing such works.

“It’s a poignant concept,” Cornett said. “It’s real. It’s not altered to be beautiful or ugly. It’s good in the art world to share that with viewers.”

“Landscape Interrupted” will be on display at the CCA until Feb. 18.