Artist Biography
Ashley Allen’s path at Endicott has taken her far beyond the classroom. Allen’s internships spanned many genres, photographing a gubernatorial campaign, capturing daily life at Maine’s oldest newspaper, and exploring corporate photography. Through Endicott’s Study Tours, she traveled to Kenya, where she documented the local culture and fulfilled a lifelong dream. During her time at Endicott, she served as the Editor-in-Chief at the Endicott Observer, the student newspaper. Her Senior Capstone brought her lens closer to home, exploring environmental contrasts in New England and challenging viewers to see beauty and reality side by side. After graduation, Allen is working with Goodwill Northern New England in content creation for the summer.
Thesis Abstract
This body of work investigates the contrasts between two coexisting landscapes across New England: the iconic, pristine, and landmark sites that attract admiration and tourism, and the overlooked, polluted areas marked by environmental neglect. Through my research, I focus on locations designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as Superfund and Brownfield sites, places burdened by industrial contamination and long-forgotten waste.
This project examines environmental issues within the communities I know and frequent. As we face the escalating effects of climate change and diminishing sustainable resources, I feel compelled to use photography to raise awareness. By capturing both the beauty of protected natural spaces and the reality of damaged ones, I aim to inspire reflection, education, and action.