Heidi de Gier — A Falling Horizon

“I have difficulty with the idea that humans are superior and can construct nature. Should you really manipulate nature, or design it the way you see fit? Because in order to do that, you have to remove something valuable as well.” For years, Hannie de Vos and her children had a sheep farm on the Sophiapolder, a small island in the river the Noord. Every morning they would row across the river to take care of the animals. But they were forced to leave their home. The dike will be breached to create new nature: a fresh-water tidal marsh. Photographer Heidi de Gier closely followed the family and the nature on the island for a year. Journalist Tracy Metz interviewed those involved and wrote The Sophiapolder: farewell in five acts.

Best Verzorgde Boeken 2011 / Best Books of 2011 by PhotoEye