Eden, Colorado 1968 - 1969

Robert Adams made this black and white photograph, "Eden, Colorado," in the late 20th century. The image depicts a stark intersection, a bleak interpretation of the biblical paradise. Adams challenges the myth of the American West as an unspoiled landscape. Instead, he shows us the impact of human intervention. Notice the stark geometry of the roads slicing through the open land, a commentary on development and expansion. The title is ironic, inviting viewers to reflect on what "Eden" means in a context of environmental change. To understand Adams' work, we can consider the history of landscape photography and its role in shaping ideas about nature and progress. It is also worth exploring government documents and urban planning records to better grasp the social and political forces at play. Through this kind of contextual research, we can better appreciate how art acts as a witness to our changing relationship with the land.