A.O.N.B. (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) 1982 - 1984

Curator: Keith Arnatt's photograph, "A.O.N.B. (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)" presents us with an interesting scene. Editor: There's a somber, almost melancholic mood to it. The monochrome palette and misty atmosphere evoke a sense of isolation. Curator: Absolutely, but let's consider the title. The acronym stands for "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty," which is quite ironic given the discarded refuse in the foreground. Arnatt often juxtaposed these elements. Editor: The discarded objects disrupt the pastoral idyll. They become symbols of consumer culture's impact on our sacred spaces, visual metaphors for waste and disposability. Curator: Indeed. This piece challenges the romanticization of nature. The image serves as a commentary on how we value and treat our environment, highlighting the tension between natural beauty and the materials of everyday life. Editor: It’s a stark reminder. The mist almost feels like a shroud, obscuring any idyllic vision we might project onto it. Food for thought, really. Curator: Yes, indeed.