The American West is among the most beautiful regions on the continent, but it’s also among the least populated, and life here comes with its challenges – not least of which is how to earn a living. A mining boom is threatening to transform the landscape forever, and the developments are dividing communities: on the one hand, the preservationists terrified of destroying the natural beauty of states such as Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, and on the other hand, those who welcome the economic investment as necessary to their personal survival.
Lucas Foglia has placed himself at the heart of this conflict in Frontcountry, a photographic series exploring the mining issue from both sides of the fence. In his images we see the romance of the landscape, looking on it both as a resource to be exploited and as an inviolable treasure to be guarded, and as the backdrop to the human stories that unfold there. Michael Hoppen Gallery, London, is exhibiting Frontcountry until 10 May.
Ron, Town Historian,
Auburn, Wyoming 2010
© Lucas Foglia
Courtesy Michael Hoppen Contemporary
Produced Water, Hamilton Dome Oil Field,
Owl Creek, Wyoming 2013
© Lucas Foglia
Courtesy Michael Hoppen Contemporary
Casey and Rowdy Horse Training,
71 Ranch, Deeth, Nevada 2012
© Lucas Foglia
Courtesy Michael Hoppen Contemporary
Coal Storage, TS Power Plant,
Newmont Mining Corporation, Dunphy, Nevada 2012
© Lucas Foglia
Courtesy Michael Hoppen Contemporary
Soccer Practice, Star Valley Braves,
Afton, Wyoming 2010
© Lucas Foglia
Courtesy Michael Hoppen Contemporary
Dakota, Michael and Jesse, Bronc Riders,
Eureka County Fair, Eureka, Nevada 2012
© Lucas Foglia
Courtesy Michael Hoppen Contemporary
Tommy Trying to Shoot Coyotes,
Big Springs Ranch, Oasis, Nevada 2012
© Lucas Foglia
Courtesy Michael Hoppen Contemporary
