Petroglyphs, Utah 1982

Linda Connor made this photograph, titled “Petroglyphs, Utah,” in the American West. Connor's work often explores sacred sites, and here, she captures ancient rock carvings. She likely used a large format camera, a technology that yields an incredible amount of detail; and the black and white aesthetic gives a timeless feel. The rock is the primary material here, shaped by millennia of geological processes, providing the ground for human expression. Consider the labor involved in creating the petroglyphs themselves. The original artists would have used stone tools to peck away at the darker outer layer of rock, revealing the lighter stone beneath. We don't know the precise meaning of these symbols, but they undoubtedly held deep cultural significance. Connor's photograph prompts us to think about the layers of time and human activity embedded in this landscape. It is a reminder that even the most monumental natural formations are also canvases for cultural expression.