Back to the Future: Life in TechnicoloR
Back to the Future: Cyanotypes, Dyed Cotton, Chains / 7ft x 11 ft / 2023
Javiera Estrada’s photographic series Back to the Future: Life in Technicolor exalts nature and primordial traditions, using saturated, surreal, and vivid hues to evoke the hyper-pigmented virtual worlds that captivate our attention in the digital age.
Modern life, characterized by increased time spent indoors, a heavy reliance on electronic devices, and reduced exposure to nature, contributes to what journalist Richard Louv terms "Nature Deficit Disorder." This condition manifests in various physical and emotional disturbances, along with a diminished use of the senses and attention difficulties.
Revolting against the stark contemporary digital space, the artist has chosen to shoot Back to the Future: Life in Technicolor on film cameras using experimental film techniques. The landscapes were primarily shot in Yellowstone National Park, where the oldest rocks are 2.7 billion years old.
Estrada believes that by going back in time to embrace the wisdom and traditions of our ancestors—through rituals, community bonding and immersing our spirits in nature— we can embark on a journey of healing and connection, creating a healthier, brighter future for us all.