DOOM TOWN
DOOM TOWN (2008-2010) delves into the haunting landscape of what was once known as the Nevada Proving Grounds, a remote location in the Nevada desert where the United States government conducted over 900 nuclear weapons tests from 1951 to 1992. The project showcases images of the remains of some of the structures that were built to test the effects of nuclear blasts. Sometimes small towns were constructed with various types of houses, some of which were filled with life-size mannequins, food, and even live animals. The simulated villages at the location were nicknamed "Doom towns" or "Survival towns" due to their purpose of testing the effects of nuclear explosions on populated areas. Despite the safety measures taken at the time, the nuclear tests had a profound and lasting impact on both the environment and the health of the local population.
Large amounts of radioactive fallout were released into the atmosphere, contaminating soil and water supplies and exposing people and wildlife to dangerous levels of radiation. The long-term health effects of this exposure, including increased rates of cancer and other illnesses, are still being studied today.
The Civil Defense tests at the Nevada Test Site played an important role in the US government's strategy during the Cold War. These tests were designed to help the US understand (and use) the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. Next to this, it also provided the public with information and resources to prepare for a potential attack. The Civil Defense program aimed to educate citizens about what to do in the event of a nuclear explosion.
Red Brick House, house erected for the apple II bomb test in 1955. In total 19 buildings were created for this 29 kiloton effects test. Nevada Test Site, 2008
Pig Pens, numerous pig enclosures can be find all over the "Frenchman Flat" dry lake bed were most of the atmosferic test were conducted in the early 1950s, Nevada Test Site, 2008
Water Tank, tank on top of a subsidence crater Yucca Flat vicinity, Nevada Test Site, 2008
Bunker F367, equipment bunker that housed cameras and measuring devices, Frenchman Flat Vicinity, Nevada Test Site, 2008
Stairs, interior of home erected for the apple II bomb test in 1955. The house was completely furnitured and filled with food and mannequins, Nevada Test Site 2008
Domed Shelter-Intact, bunker tested during the Priscilla Test in 1957, Nevada Test Site, 2008
Room With A View, interior of home erected for the apple II bomb test in 1955. The house was completely furnitured, filled with food and mannequins, Nevada Test Site 2008
Japanese House, This village of three structures was designed to test the effects of radiation on wood-frame, Japanese-style houses in 1962, Nevada Test Site, 2008
Charred House, typical American home erected for the apple II bomb test 1955. In total 19 buildings were created for this 29 kiloton effects test. Nevada Test Site 2008
Open Framed Structures, railroad trestles built for the Encore test in 1953, Nevada Test Site, 2008
Garage/Shelter, concrete structure used to test a dual-purpose garage/shelter during the PLUMBOB test 1957, Nevada Test Site, 2008
Domed Shelter, bunker tested during the Priscilla Test in 1957, Nevada Test Site, 2008
“Now I have become death, the destroyer of worlds”
The famous quote is by the physicist Robert Oppenheimer, one of the key figures behind the development of the first atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project during World War II. This film clip was one of the main inspirations for this body of work. The quote was uttered by Oppenheimer upon witnessing the first successful test of an atomic bomb in New Mexico. The face is that of a tormented scientist.
Civil Defense
This is a compilation of film clips from the documentary "Trinity and Beyond" (1995) that featured historical footage from the early 1950ies. These depict the destructive effects of a nuclear explosion on buildings and other structures. The clips show houses collapsing and other structures being destroyed, showcasing the devastating power of a nuclear blast. Some of these structures were also part of this photography project. The films were originally created as part of civil defense tests, aimed at educating the public on the dangers of a nuclear attack and the importance of preparedness.
