The New Topographics

The New Topographics was a photographic movement from the 1970s that focused on documenting human-altered landscapes, like suburbs, industrial sites, and roads, in a straightforward, often neutral style. Artists aimed to show how human activity shapes the environment, challenging romantic or idealized views of nature. The images emphasize everyday landscapes with clarity, encouraging viewers to consider the impact of urbanization and development. This movement shifted the focus from pristine wilderness to the reality of modern, built environments, highlighting environmental and societal issues through a documentary approach.