Kudzu is one of America’s most damaging invasive weeds, covering millions of acres of land in the southern states. For photographer Karey Walter, the plant is a source of fascination that has led her on a surprising an unexpected journey inspired by folklore and mythology.
‘Originally, I was just out photographing the kudzu plant. But I was out hiking one day and by chance I saw an albino deer, which is very unusual in the South.’
Captivated by the legendary nature of the deer, Walter soon found herself compiling a list of animals with similar, elusive folkloric qualities. Captured with a 4x5 camera and ortho film, the resulting images tell a unique story that encompasses a complex, interconnected view of how people, animals and plants all interact in the American South.
You can read Karey Walter’s interview with Jon Stapley in B+W 303, on sale now.
Image: Caspar © Karey Walter
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