BERLIN.- Photographer Johnny Miller is gaining attention for his powerful aerial photography projects, "Unequal Scenes" and "Salt Works," which offer striking perspectives on social inequality and environmental impact.

"Unequal Scenes": A Bird's-Eye View of Division

Miller's "Unequal Scenes" series uses drone photography to visually document the stark divisions between different urban areas. The project began in South Africa, where apartheid-era barriers created lasting spatial inequalities. Miller has since expanded his work globally, capturing similar disparities in cities across the United States, India, Mexico, Nigeria, and the Philippines, with a particular focus on megacities in the Global South.

The aerial perspective reveals patterns of economic and social segregation, highlighting the ways in which urban spaces are often divided along class lines. Miller's photographs, reminiscent of the work of photographers like Michael Wolf and Andreas Gursky, are notable for their lack of digital manipulation, presenting unedited snapshots of reality.

The project aims to demonstrate how economic interests continue to shape urban development and maintain social divisions. By showcasing the organizational structures of these separations, Miller's work prompts viewers to consider the complex dependencies between different segments of society.

"Salt Works": Abstraction and Environmental Reflection

In his "Salt Works" series, Miller shifts his focus to the environmental impact of industrial processes, specifically sea salt production. Aerial photographs taken in Walvis Bay (Namibia), Yucatán (Mexico), and San Francisco (USA) capture the colorful, abstract patterns of salt evaporation ponds.

The vibrant hues of the ponds, caused by halophilic bacteria, create visually compelling compositions. However, Miller's work also draws attention to the exploitation of natural resources and the environmental consequences of such extraction. The photographs question the relationship between producers and global markets, highlighting the often-unequal distribution of benefits derived from these resources.

Miller's compositions transform landscapes into abstract paintings, prompting viewers to consider both the beauty and the environmental costs of industrial processes. This series examines the human intervention in nature, showcasing one of the oldest forms of resource extraction.

Johnny Miller is a photographer and activist currently serving as a Senior Fellow at Code For Africa and a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity at the London School of Economics. 1 He is also the co-founder of africanDRONE, an organization dedicated to the sustainable use of drone technology in Africa. He holds degrees from Dickinson College and the University of Cape Town.

The exhibition is on view at Galerie Buchkunst Berlin through May 10, 2025.