Sol Nikas
Trespassing Forbidden!
Photography
Why are natural areas not accessible to everyone, and how can we fix that? Trespassing Forbidden! explores how private property and land defense create barriers to natural spaces. The human right to access clean, healthy land should be preserved and attainable for all.
Artist Statement
I was hiking in the woods in Northeast PA with my dog and friend. We just wanted to spend some time outdoors, but almost everywhere we turned there were signs against trespassing on private property. We respected the policy but could not help but become discouraged. I wondered why land is seen as something to defend. It makes sense ecologically, but it saddens me that so many people do not have access to any land because of this ideology. I was so used to having easy access to natural spaces, but this experience made me realize that society needs to change to heal human-environment systems in a way that benefits all. My piece, “Trespassing Forbidden!” emphasizes the significance of RSENRs mission question. Why are natural areas not accessible to everyone, and how can we fix that?