La Loma Hills, Colton, California Possibly 1983 - 1988

Robert Adams made this gelatin silver print, "La Loma Hills, Colton, California," in the style of landscape photography. At first glance, the image seems to depict a natural scene, but a closer look reveals the presence of power lines, a symbol of human intervention and development. Adams's photographs often explore the complex relationship between the natural world and the built environment, particularly in the American West. Made in the 1980s, this image evokes a period of significant social and economic change in the United States, marked by suburban expansion and environmental concerns. Adams critiques the prevailing ethos of endless growth and the impact of development on the landscape. To understand Adams's work more fully, we might look to government records and planning documents, offering insights into the social and institutional forces shaping the American landscape. His work serves as a reminder of the artist's role in challenging dominant narratives and prompting critical reflection on our relationship with the environment.