Markings

More about the book

These earthworks were created for the gods, and Marilyn Bridges captures them as intended—from the heavens. Her photographic journey began with a flight over Peru, where she observed the vast spirals, "runways," and animal figures etched into the earth by the Nazca Indians. This aerial perspective unveiled the true scale of these enigmatic markings, inspiring her work. In the Yucatán jungle, Bridges photographed Mayan temples from low altitudes, revealing their grandeur amidst the dense foliage. Her images provoke deep reflections on the interplay between ancient cultures and the natural world, highlighting the geometric harmony of these sites against the encroachment of modernity. Her American aerial landscapes showcase a variety of forms and rhythms, emphasizing our responsibility to reconnect with the natural forces her photographs illustrate. In Britain, the closeness of monuments like Stonehenge to urban areas intensifies the contrast between ancient surveyors' intimate understanding of the land and contemporary development. Accompanying texts by geometrician Keith Critchlow, Nazca expert Maria Reiche, and critic Lucy Lippard enrich the narrative, offering insights into the significance of Bridges's work and the enduring power of these ancient sites.