Anthropogenic Investigations. Photography by Greig Clifford

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Anthropogenic Investigations.

Highlighting deeply instinctive characteristics of human nature through an inquisitive survey into features of human presence within the environment of Stanmer Park, Brighton, UK. The project uses photography to consider the intricate human condition, revealing elements of power and control, of ownership, territory and infrastructure, leisure activity, education, and the family unit. By spotlighting such aspects using human created light, while diminishing that from the sun, the project also encourages thinking around humankind's relationship with the natural world.

1. Tree.

Anthropogenic Investigations image 1, Tree - by Greig Clifford

2. Rope Swing.

3. Water Trough.

4. Spring Sheep.

5. Posts.

6. Post.

Anthropogenic Investigations image 6, Post - by Greig Clifford

1. Tree. A family of lights study a tree formed of several joined trunks, each one cut horizontally at a similar height to remove all the branches above this point. One wonders the purpose behind this lopping, but without even knowing the reasons, and there can of course be many, it is clear humankind has made a decision to excercise its power to take from, control, or manage, this particular element of nature.

2. Rope Swing. A makeshift seat formed by a short branch attached to a length of rope and hung from a tree. For children, there is joy in the back and forth spinning thrill ride. For couples, dizzy romantic moments of laughter and togetherness.

3. Water Trough. Not only a source of water for animals, but an indication of hidden infrastructure, of underground pipes, pumps and everything else unseen that is needed to maintain such a supply. Does the system exist for benevolent reasons, or because the animals living on this land serve a purpose for human society?

4. Spring Sheep. Educating younger children through play. While developing an awareness of their physical selves, an understanding of their surrounding natural world and humankind's relationship to it also begins to form.

5. Posts. Harvested from trees and formed into equally sized lengths, they have been placed into the ground purposefully, perhaps to mark a route or boundary line.

6. Post. An inquisitive closer look. The rings in the wood indicate the tree's age prior to being cut. Grass grows from hole in its center, a sign of how the natural world strives to survive alongside human interventions.

Further Info...

Six exhibition prints shown at IMPRESSION.
(University of Brighton, BA(hons) Photography and BA (hons) Fine Art Printmaking).
Wilmot Gallery, Brighton.
(Jan 17th 2026 - Jan 22nd 2026).

For Print Sales enquiries... please contact me directly.

For commenting or to ask any questions related to this project...
please see the project post on Instagram, or feel free to contact me another way.