Tyler W. GreenAmerican Artist

Neon Frontier

The 2020 Dome Fire devastated a significant portion of the Cima Dome Joshua tree forest, erasing one of the largest and most dense populations of Joshua trees in the world. With as many as 1.3 million Joshua trees lost, the fire has raised alarming questions about the future of this iconic species. Joshua trees, like many other species, lack the adaptations needed to survive and recover from wildfires, making the ecological damage potentially irreversible.

In this series, I confront our fragile relationship with these threatened landscapes. Using channel-swapped digital infrared photography, I've captured the haunting aftermath of the burn, with a cyan and magenta palette that challenges our perception of these scorched remains. This modern aesthetic reflects my deep concern that our current societal trajectory is insufficient to combat climate change and prevent further ecological destruction.

Through these images, I aim to reimagine our understanding of climate change and provoke reflection on the path we are on. Alongside the altered photographs, I've included color images of surviving Joshua trees — living reminders of what once was and what is now at stake. This contrast serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance we are at risk of losing.