396 Fairview Ave,

Cedar Grove NJ

"Fairview Ave" (February 2023)

Special Thanks: Avdax LLC. and Bart De Gregorio

Description: Multiple acres of verdant, wooded hillside, transformed into a treeless mudslide waiting to happen in pursuit of construction of a single McMansion.

Artist Statement

My photographic series "396 Fairview Ave" documents the startling and ephemeral landscape created by the construction of a single McMansion in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. The once verdant hillside has been carved into an unsupported, steep dirt slope, resulting in a dramatic and otherworldly scene. The 90-degree slopes on either side of the road are already eroding, resembling a Martian landscape or some erosive scene out of sub-Saharan Africa.

As an artist, I am typically less interested in documenting the construction of single family homes as the transformation of the environment tends to be less dramatic. However, the unique nature of this site merited additional scrutiny. It highlights the responsibility of artists to document the Anthropocene and the sixth mass extinction, even in the heart of suburban New Jersey near some of the wealthiest zip codes in the world.

Through my photography, I aim to raise awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment, particularly the transformation of once pristine natural landscapes for urban development. My photographs offer a glimpse into the aftermath of such actions and encourage viewers to consider the long-term consequences of their actions.

In "396 Fairview Ave," I hope to inspire viewers to consider the fragility of the environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations. By capturing the beauty and uniqueness of this landscape, I hope to encourage greater appreciation and stewardship of our planet.