Gustav Hellberg

Al – Pesarean | 2023

Al – Pesarean
2023
44.0 x 66.0 cm
C-print, limited edition, 1/10

A series of photographs shot in the village Pesarean, just outside the Central Java city Tegal. The main line of work in the village is small scale lead and aluminium smelting together with production of cast aluminium products. Most workshops are located in the homes of the craftsmen. The smelting process is primitive with no safety measures of any kind. The smelting and casting processes are extremely toxic. Lead poisoning and other severe health conditions are wide spread as workers, their families and fellow villagers are unrelentingly exposed to toxic waste, poisonous airborne gases, dust together with contaminated ground and groundwater.