Automobility's Stranglehold on Biotic Subjects

Photo print, 19.75" x 27.5", 2024

Michael Storozhakov, Geography BA, 5th Year

Artwork Description: The influence of automobility on humans' movement, health, comfort is profound. The architectural, semiotic, and design elements of this parkade and bench struck me as a concentrated representation of the way car-centric infrastructure is hostile to the living. Like much of urban design, this space looks to protect and shelter living humans only if they are elevated by the status of a car - essentially, only if the person is, for the moment, the car. If you don't have a car, a home, are looking to rest, or not looking to drive, you are unwelcome and alien to this space. 

Artist's Bio:  Michael is a musician and writer who has lived in the area for 13 years, and has just graduated from the University of Calgary with a BA in Geography. He plans to continue his advocacy for transit and housing diversity as well as a career in urban planning. His music and visual work has been featured at university events such as the Schulich Soundstage, the 2024 UCalgary Climate Art Showcase, and on his daily Instagram blog, @sidewalk_rater. He is excited to be part of this exhibit, his first foray into print photography.

Artist's statement: The reward of wrapping my mind around the environments and patterns I observe feels like nothing else does. Whether I'm writing music, prose, or catching or composing visuals, I want to share the things I notice about the built environment, its surrounding cosmos, and how we make and relate to both of these as living beings. 

Artist's contact info: michael.design.brit@gmail.com