Desire Lines

Desire Lines explores the complex and often conflicting relationships between humans and the natural world in the Sonoran borderlands. The photographer focuses on the disorienting experience of the landscape, which is under constant surveillance and control, and the military presence that has seeped into the lives of residents.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: Overlapse

Desire Lines explores the intricate and multifaceted landscape of the Sonoran borderlands, spanning the United States and Mexico. It traces the footsteps of a diverse range of individuals and groups, including migrants, border agents, missionaries, conquistadors, indigenous people, and industrialists. This region, characterized by its complex history and the messy and often violent collision of cultures, defies the simplistic narratives often associated with borders. Shipley's photographs capture the disorienting experience of this landscape, which can be perceived as both beautiful and dangerous, depending on the perspective of those navigating it. While the landscape may appear empty at first glance, it is in fact meticulously monitored and controlled, with an ever-growing military presence that has permeated the lives of residents in neighboring communities.

The borderlands themselves are a testament to the enduring power of human migration and the complex web of relationships that have shaped this region. The paths taken by migrants, who risk their lives in search of a better life, intersect with those of border agents, who are tasked with enforcing laws and protecting national security. Missionaries and conquistadors, driven by religious and economic motives, have also left their mark on the landscape, leaving behind a legacy of religious institutions and colonial settlements.

In contrast, indigenous people have long inhabited the borderlands, and their presence is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and resilience that has survived despite the challenges posed by colonialism and industrialization. Industrialists, too, have played a significant role in shaping the landscape, with the construction of infrastructure and the development of industries that have brought economic prosperity to the region.

The photographs in Desire Lines capture the diverse perspectives and experiences of those who have traversed this landscape. They depict the physical terrain, including its rugged mountains, vast deserts, and bustling border crossings, as well as the emotional and psychological toll that the borderlands have taken on its inhabitants. Shipley's images offer a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a region that is often misunderstood and misrepresented.

Through his lens, Shipley invites viewers to consider the complexities of the borderlands and the diverse range of individuals and groups that call them home. He challenges us to look beyond the headlines and stereotypes and to recognize the humanity and resilience of those who have been marginalized and excluded by the borders that divide us.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 172 x 226 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781999446895