Autumn, naturally
Some time ago, with autumn approaching, I was looking for a remote mountain area to connect emotionally and artistically with the wilderness. I chose the Turtmanntal, in the Upper Valais. The valley is difficult to access and rather inhospitable. High mountains, large rocks, steep slopes, thick forests, glacial ponds and turbulent streams shape its rough landscape.
A form of immanence has been forged there by a raw and beautiful natural environment since immemorial times. Yet wilderness keeps evolving — through the annual seasonal cycle and longer-term dynamics. In autumn, plants, animals, and humans live in both the present and the future, enjoying the moment while preparing for colder and harder times.
I love autumn for the rapid metamorphosis of the plants in a complex choreography steered by the sun, the rain, the frost, and even the snow. I love the proud swan song of vegetal life before its hibernation. I love the flamboyant colour palette of the vegetation contrasting with the subtle tonality of the skies.
I visited the Turtmanntal several times this autumn to capture and interpret nature’s metamorphosis until the first winter snow. As no word could translate such complex and beautiful transformation properly, I leave my photographs to compose their lines, shapes and tones, and to share their related feelings with you.
Keep all your senses, your heart, and your mind ready for the journey.
Water, snow and ice
Rock, air and clouds
Earth, soil and plants
Ponds, streams and trees
Vegetal swan song
You may have noticed the discretion of human presence throughout the series above. As people remain only seasonal guests in the Turtmanntal, their footprint is little more than a watermark on the landscape. We will explore it in more detail in the second part of the essay.
Cheers,
