Photography: Fay & Matt Doyle
The Salton Sea is a shallow saline body of water in Southern California. The Salton Sea, once tipped as a major resort area for the state is now practically deserted and now home to dangerous algae blooms and toxic air. The Salton Sea was formed by accident in 1905 when the Colorado River breached an irrigation canal. Water pooled in a natural low point in the desert and the sea was formed. Developers saw this as potential for a new luxury resort and began placing palm trees on the shoreline. The area became a destination where the likes of the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby spent time.
Bombay Beach, California, 2022. A sculpture created with remnants of property found on the shores of the Salton Sea. The area has since become an unlikely home of a growing community arts scene.
Salton Sea Beach, California, 2022. An old retro sign points lovingly to what once was at the entrance road off the highway to Salton Sea Beach. In the 1960’s, the terminal lake faced increasingly pollution from irrigation water and flooding. Because of this, towns in the area’s property prices were affected as well as a drop in revenue.
Salton Sea Beach, California, 2022. Desert landscapes give way to water that feels strange and eerie. According to experts and environmentalists, the ecosystem is on the brink of collapse which would destroy hundreds of bird species who call the place home.
Bombay Beach, California, 2022. More sculptures line the shores of Bombay Beach. The air smells sour – its a smell that you cannot quite put your finger on. But it doesn’t leave you feeling that crisp outdoors air. It is a cause for concern that those spending significant time around the Salton Sea are exposed to dangerous pollution levels.
Salton Sea Beach, California, 2022. Welcome to Salton Sea Beach West Shores Baptist Church.
Desert Shores, California, 2022. The mud which forms the basin of the Salton Sea contains chemicals such as zinc, lead, chromium and pesticides. The local economy is largely based around agriculture, and because of pesticide use, these chemicals break into the groundwater, and cause pollution.
Bombay Beach, California, 2022. Patterns in the ‘sand’ at Bombay Beach. The ground feels somewhat strange to feel underfoot. It is both hollow and dense, where your feet start to sink in if you spend too long standing in one spot.
Bombay Beach, California, 2022. An old school bus, repurposed as a home calls the beach home for a period of time. In this area, a number of artists have taken to the area in a bid to bring thoughtful and sensitive people to the town and areas surrounding to allow them to see what is happening in the area.
Bombay Beach, California, 2022. The shores of Bombay beach feel incredibly surreal to visit. Greeted with an unnatural, toxic smell that stays with you for hours there is a certain eerie feel to the place. A place for quiet reflection. The shore is lined with crusted salt from the water. And bird footprints delicately sit on the intensely compacted and airy ground.