Scrappage

The United Kingdom, like many other developed nations, has seen its love for automobiles intertwine with the complexities of a throwaway society, where the lifecycle of goods is short and the frequency of replacement is high.

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Each year, approximately 1.4 million cars in the UK reach the end of their lives. They're sent off to scrap yards, where they're stripped for parts, crushed, and recycled. With an average vehicle lifespan of 8 years, this is a significant indicator of the cyclical consumption pattern prevalent in our society. Astonishingly, 85% of these scrapped vehicles are recycled, their once gleaming bodies and powerful engines reduced to raw materials ready to be reincarnated in a new form.

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This fascinating cycle of creation, use, destruction, and rebirth inspired this photographic project.

 

The series captures the surprisingly poignant journey of vehicles as they transition from indispensable companions of daily life to discarded debris, and finally, to valuable resources for new products. This project goes beyond the aesthetics of rusted metal and chipped paint, providing a visual commentary on the disposable nature of our society.

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The exploration illuminates the dramatic contrasts in our world. While the images portray a sense of decay and desolation, they also capture an important act of conservation and recycling, which counters the narrative of our throwaway culture.

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By understanding the lifecycle of a car, from its first drive off the dealership lot to its final stop at a recycling plant, we can better appreciate the extent of our consumption habits. In this era of climate change and environmental challenges, such reflections are more critical than ever.

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