36 Cliffside Drive, Cedar Grove NJ

"Cliffside Apartments" (January 2023)

Special Thanks: Garrubbo Properties aka 3 6 Cliffside Drive llc.

Description: A mature forest of over 800 trees clearcut for affordable housing apartment units.

Artist Statement

As an artist, I believe it is my responsibility to use my craft to shed light on important social and environmental issues. In "36 Cliffside Drive," I document the habitat destruction, clearcutting, and environmental devastation caused by Garrubbo Properties as they construct a large condo complex along the West Essex Trail in suburban Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

The Anthropocene, a new geological era defined by the impact of human activities on the planet, has brought about the sixth mass extinction of species and a profound alteration of the Earth's ecosystems. These environmental issues are not limited to remote wilderness areas, but are also present in suburban areas, such as Cedar Grove, that are home to some of the wealthiest zip codes in the world.

Through my photographs, I hope to bring attention to the devastating effects of unchecked development and the need for greater accountability and responsibility from developers. I believe it is crucial for artists to document the changes happening in our world and to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on the environment.

"36 Cliffside Drive" serves as a testament to the consequences of neglecting our responsibility to protect the natural world and serves as a call to action for all of us to work towards a more sustainable future.

For more information about Cliffside Drive and the process that went into the development of this project, consider reading "Research Notes - 36 Cliffside Drive," with the caveat that this document may contextualize the images beyond their visual content.