Under the shadow of the dune landscape in Velsen lies an industrial plant that has been manufacturing steel since 1918. The steel industry occupies a large portion of the Dutch economy and provides work for over 9,000 people.

 

Lately graphite rain, particulate matter and black snow plague the local area. Also, research from RIVM discovered a significantly higher lung cancer percentage comparing to similar areas. The plant affects the local ecology more severely than the responsible province was ever aware of and the two and a half meter-high constraint between the dunes and the equally heighted piles of iron ore seems purely decorative. Thus, leaving the only distinct difference to be its morphology and material.

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IRON DUNES analyses the transition from the iron ore to sand using elevation maps, 3D modelling software and photographical documentation. The images represent a scenario in which the whole landscape is covered with the same material and the only difference is to be found in its morphology. It seeks the truth: Who will win? 
 

2021, Velsen