Off Road Traffic Pattern along the Northwest Shore of the Great Salt Lake, Utah 1988

Emmet Gowin’s 1988 black and white photograph, *Off Road Traffic Pattern along the Northwest Shore of the Great Salt Lake, Utah,* captures the abstract patterns left by vehicles in the landscape. The aerial view reveals the intricate traces of tire tracks, creating a network of lines and curves that resemble a map or an abstract painting. Gowin’s work often focuses on the relationship between humans and the environment, and this image highlights the lasting impact of human activity on the natural world. The photograph’s minimalist composition and the use of stark contrasts further emphasize the abstract nature of the subject matter.