Eva St.John

'Value Extraction' is a moving image installation that explores the intricate and often destructive relationship between humans and the earth, and how humans' spiritual and emotional disconnection from the land encourages the continuation of these destructive behaviours.

Through a speculative lens, the film delves into themes of destruction, extraction, and exploitative behaviours rooted in the history of colonialism and exploration. It examines notions of ownership and control over natural resources, highlighting the enduring legacy of exploitation and the pervasive impact of capitalist and consumerist ideologies.

Intertwining ecofeminist perspectives, Value Extraction illuminates the parallel exploitation of women and nature, emphasising the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice. With emphasis put on the assignment of value the film presents a stark contrast between the relentless pursuit of material wealth and the inherent worth of the natural world.

Challenging viewers to reconsider what we value and why, Value Extraction provokes thought about the consequences of prioritising consumption and repetition over originality and sustainability. Through immersive imagery and compelling narratives, the installation aims to inspire a deeper connection to the Earth and a critical examination of the systems that drive ecological and social exploitation.