How to Make a Landscape Speak? Photography, Aesthetics, and Environmental Histories

Landscapes hold traces of human histories—political, colonial, social, and economic. If they serve as records of histories and narratives—sometimes violent ones—how do photographers, acting as archaeologists of contemporary landscapes, translate these memories into images? And how do they engage with the political and aesthetic stakes of representing these territories?

Julien will present his exhibition a breathtaking, on view until May 14 at Hana Pietri Gallery (1433 W Chicago Ave), French-American photographer Julien Chatelin captures territories in transformation across the globe, revealing how grand narratives of modernization and development shape both land and perception. His images offer a visual archaeology of geopolitical ambition and ecological fragility.

His lecture will be followed by a panel discussion featuring scholar and artist Bert Geyer, whose research investigates the aesthetic dimensions of U.S. imperial forestry at the turn of the 20th century, exploring how sensory experiences, land management practices, and colonial imaginaries intersect in reshaping environments across the Midwest, Caribbean, and Philippines.

Their conversation will be modified by Hana Pietri Gallery founder Tiphanie Babinet Spencer, and will focus on how visual and historical practices uncover the forces that shape landscapes—past and present—and how aesthetic and photographic approaches can reveal the entanglement of empire, ecology, and memory.

After the program, guests will enjoy a reception featuring complimentary French wine and cheese, where theyll have the chance to speak with the artists.

Doors at 5:30 p.m. Program at 6:00 p.m. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

About the Artists

Julien Chatelin

Julien Chatelin is a French American photographer known for his documentary and artistic projects exploring contemporary territories. His work has been exhibited internationally, and he has received awards including the Camera Clara Award and the Sony Awards.

About Bert Geyer

Bert Geyer

Bert Geyer is a PhD Candidate in Art History at University of Illinois Chicago, a Lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and co-leads the Anthropocene Lab at UIC’s Institute for the Humanities. His research has been supported by the Forest History Society and was recently shared with the Society of Architectural Historians.

Tiphanie Babinet Spencer is a French/American artist, independent curator, art dealer and patron of the arts.

Tiphanie founded Hana Pietri in 2021. The platform itself began as a salon in 2011 under the name The Arts Palette, evolved into an art production company partnering with cultural organizations like the Chicago Cultural Center, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art - to name a few - became an alternative exhibition space and is now a mix of it all. The model is constantly evolving, adapting and responding to artistic expression in ways that are creative and inclusive of many different opinions.Hana Pietri is an artist-run platform promoting self-taught and contemporary artists through exhibitions and projects aimed at fostering community and sustainable cultural engagement.

Contact: [email protected]