'Gilded River' captures the elegance and simplicity of a vast and diverse landscape from a rarely experienced perspective. Some landscapes only become visible after you take off.

An enthralling marine salt lake in the mid-west region of Western Australia, Hutt Lagoon confounds visitors from far and wide with its vibrant strawberry milk colour (hence the nickname Pink Lake). The lake is home to the world’s largest microalgae production plant which produces an abundance of algae containing beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is most notably used as a colouring agent in foods and cosmetics. The area is a natural marvel largely at the mercy of the elements, and never is it more spectacular than when seen from above.

Author: Steven Stanley Manolakis is a photographer based in Sydney. His images of Australian landscapes photographed from above provide a unique view of what lies surrounding us.

Captured from a meta-level perspective, his work inspires reflection on the complexity of systems and individual disposition. He addresses the lack of nuance in contemporary thought processes through the comprehensive topography of Australian landscapes. Each image encourages the viewer to appreciate the complexity of the landscape, from general outline to intricate detail, before arriving at a deeper understanding of systems and individual placement within. Lastly, he guides the viewer from complexity to simplicity, providing structure to chaos by focusing on composition, form and design. Upon departure, one is left with feelings of hope, meaning, and a secure state of being.

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