Seminole child, The Everglades, Florida, 1906
Dimock, Julian A. (Julian Anthony), 1873-1945 (photographer)
American Museum of Natural History

A Guilt-Ridden Landscape Series

Watercolor & Carbonil on Arches Paper

9″ x 12″

2021

The artist presents us with a landscape horizon unequal to the panorama portrayed by Julian Dimock. His pieces are united through the landscape, incorporating the detrimental factors that most affect this swamp that is constant coercion to the health of the wetland and its indigenous people.
The Seminole presence within his compositions represents discontent towards a disrespectful attitude towards nature.
The Seminole tribe’s relationship with nature is different. The attitude of care that Native American Indians have fostered towards this ecosystem from the first moment they occupied it is reflexive and harmonious; they assume a deep bond with the land.
Man’s attitude towards the Everglades for profit has corrupted one of the world’s most important ecological systems. Today the new communities have not had the same treatment towards the swamp. Excessive construction of condominiums overlooking artificial lakes increases housing prices; large sugar plantations block much of the natural flow of water; water contaminated with pesticides and harmful chemicals from irrigation methods, among other negative factors.
The artist intends to reflect on our perspective towards the Everglades and the environment in general. We must become aware of our relationship to what we are a part of, nature, as practiced by the Seminoles.