Have you ever been flustered or overwhelmed in an exasperating situation that you felt had no solution? Then, after it was over and enough time had passed so you were able to see things in a different light, you realized you might have handled things differently? Or perhaps you gained perspective after listening to other people talking about their problems and finding out that what you thought to be extenuating circumstances were actually not as dire, compared to what your peers were going through.
If we were to take an even further step back and actually be able to see the entire world’s reality from afar, what perspective could we gain? We might be able to understand the conditions of millions of people who have been displaced by conflict. We’d notice the true impact and results of globalization and industrialization on rural communities. We would observe the devastating results of climate change on both the natural world, as well as urban life. We might even stop believing that those who are geographically or culturally distant from us are actually not like us. If we placed ourselves in the shoes of the universe and allowed ourselves to experience our worldview in a completely different manner, we could begin to change many aspects of our lives.
@dailyoverview
@dailyoverview
@dailyoverview
@dailyoverviewIn 2013, Benjamin Grant launched the website Daily Overview with the mission to present images of Earth taken from outer space. Using the high resolution satellite image technology from DigitalGlobe, he was able to present each day a quick snap of one of the many corners of the planet. Eventually, this turned into two projects: one where viewers would get an impromptu pic of a specific place, and another where audience members could see a change over time. This second project is titled Juxtapose and is a silent commentary on the state of humanity and its current home.
When we see images of cities from far off, seeing them as we would a minimized spreadsheet, we stop thinking about the nuisance of traffic and finding a parking spot. Instead, we can observe the magnitude of our footprint on Earth, particularly when we compare incredibly crowded urban landscapes with places that have been populated for hundreds or thousands of years and remain untouched by humanity. Here we can compare the grid of one of Mexico City’s boroughs with the vastness that surrounds the town of Wadi Rum in Jordan. Both places have been populated for at least two thousand years, and yet, one is now crowded while the other continues to be a virginal space.
@dailyoverview
@dailyoverview
@dailyoverview
When we take a step back, we can also observe how the places we fill with mystery and myth might hide the ultimate answer to our existence. Area 51 is synonymous with conspiracy theories and urban legends. Yet when we see it from afar, we see its careful lines and buildings. Have we focused all of our attention on this space, when in reality we should be looking to the stars?
The endless array of cars we see at the Hyundai production plant in Alabama or the many trains filled to the top of coal in Norfolk Virginia remind us how humanity and technology have taken over spaces. We forget sometimes how we’ve created an impact in our environment until we’re faced with the magnitude of our actions.
But it’s not all horrible. It’s hard not to be left in awe when we see the salt patterns in Salta, Argentina. The vivid colors almost appear to be done through brushstrokes and oil paint. Has the inspiration of the great painters been a connection to the beauty of the natural world?
@dailyoverview
@dailyoverview
Through the Juxtapose project we observe how the seasons bring color and life to the tulip fields in the Netherlands. From winter grey and drab to a color palette Pantone can only create through technology, this array of flowers brings some light into our everyday life.
We think of festivals as this communion of people all gathered for one or many purposes. It’s all pretty until they all leave. The waste created by big events usually leaves damage that takes time and money to fix. Here we see how Burning Man attempts to leave no trace of human activity behind in order for the desert to remain what it was before the big celebration.
The drought that has affected the American state of California is only a glimpse of the many effects of climate change in our world. When we compare images over a longer period of time, we take our blinders off and actually see the devastation. What would those who refuse to believe in these changes think after seeing these images?
@dailyoverviewProbably the most haunting image in Daily Overview is this juxtaposition. It tells the story of the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan. As far as we might be geographically from the conflict in Syria, when we’re faced with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people who are attempting to flee the war, we cannot remain untouched by this horrible conflict.
What emotions do these images create? It’s possible that with a little perspective, we will all be able to take a step back and reexamine our lives and actions. By being empathetic to our planet and humanity as a whole, we might be able to understand better how we’ve gotten to this point. We are at a critical moment where devastation is happening on all levels. A change in our strategies might lead to resolving, or at least attempting to creating solutions, to large scale problems.
You can check out DailyOverview’s website or Instagram for your dose of perspective.
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