PHOTO 24: Mastering the Elements

Where do we draw the line between working with nature and dominating nature?

Mastering the Elements considers the scientific exploration and eventual conquest of nature – from the beginnings of alchemy to the present day. In their pursuit to turn base metals into gold, alchemists always strove for a transdisciplinary understanding of nature’s inner workings. But the Age of Enlightenment saw a transition towards natural sciences that ultimately sought dominance over nature’s bounty.

By combining philosophy and photography, these images by Jana Hartmann take a visual journey exploring topics that have captivated the researchers throughout history, from traditional medicine and classical concepts of matter to biogerontology (the science of ageing) and quantum physics. Juxtaposing the alchemical approach with modern scientific practice exposes various issues associated with today’s prevailing understanding of nature, and invites questions about how scientific understandings might advance in the future.

Curated by PHOTO Australia.