A Mirage
The project ‘Kingston - A Mirage ‘ started during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a form of escapism from the chaos of the world. Initially focusing on Kingston upon Thames riverside life, people, nature, and landscape, the project took an unexpected turn as it uncovered a darker side of the town. Thames Water is continuing to 'dump raw sewage' into the Hogsmill River in Kingston upon Thames. The Hogsmill River, that runs through Kingston like the artery of the heart, a natural phenomenon and one of the few chalk stream rivers in the world.
Chalk streams, celebrated for their high-quality water, are defined by their origins from springs in landscapes with chalk bedrock. The Hogsmill River, being an urban chalk stream, holds rare status as one of only 200 such streams globally. This unique habitat supports diverse wildlife, including brown trout, water voles, and mayflies, making it an invaluable ecosystem.
However, recent data from The Rivers Trust has revealed a disheartening reality – Thames Water has been dumping raw sewage into Kingston's rivers, including the Thames and the Hogsmill, with a total of 14 sewage spills reported in 2022. This sewage pollution amounted to 75 hours of waste released, impacting the vulnerable Hogsmill River significantly.
The sewage spills have continued into 2023, with 21 incidents reported so far, lasting a total of 144 hours. Unfortunately, there has been no commitment to short-term improvement from Thames Water, leaving the community and the river's ecosystem in a precarious situation.
The juxtaposition of the beauty witnessed on the surface of life along the river with the pollution affecting the Hogsmill River underscores the urgent need for environmental awareness and action. The project, initially an escape, has become a lens through which the photographer can document and potentially raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Hogsmill River and other water bodies in the region.
As the project progresses, it may serve as a powerful advocacy tool, shedding light on the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of precious natural resources. The community, environmental groups, and concerned citizens may find inspiration in "By The River" to mobilize for positive change, urging Thames Water to address the issue promptly and implement sustainable solutions to protect the unique chalk stream ecosystem.
About the Photographer
Alexander's artistic journey in Kingston upon Thames reflects a profound connection to the natural world and a dual commitment to both timeless Romantic ideals and contemporary environmental consciousness. As he delves into the landscapes surrounding him, his work serves as a medium to communicate the delicate balance between human existence and the enduring essence of nature.
The universal Romantic themes in Alexander's work suggest an exploration of emotions, awe, and the sublime that transcend specific time periods or cultural contexts. This could manifest in his art through depictions of the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, contemplations on the transcendent power of landscapes, and a celebration of the mysterious and untamed aspects of the environment.
Simultaneously, Alexander's contemporary environmental sensibility highlights his awareness of the fragility and preciousness of the natural world. His art might capture the impact of human activity on the environment, the encroachment of urbanization, or the consequences of climate change. This dual perspective, embracing both the timeless and the urgent, makes his work resonate with viewers on a personal and societal level.
The space that Alexander explores between the human-inhabited world and the realm nature still claims as its own becomes a central theme. His art may depict the tension, harmony, or coexistence between these two realms, prompting viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the environment.