TABEA MATHERN

My One and Only Planet: Maybe the only Toxic Relationship Worth Fighting For
 

Romantic comedies have a strange hold on us. We know the tropes—unrealistic gestures, miscommunication blown out of proportion, and love treated like something that magically solves everything. They're familiar, comforting even, but also undeniably toxic. We’re drawn to them because, somehow, they make the chaos of relationships seem worth it.But what happens when we apply that same logic to our relationship with the planet? This series leans into the well-worn narratives of rom-coms, twisting them to reveal the dysfunction at the heart of how humans interact with Earth. Think of it as a cinematic love story gone wrong—only this time, the stakes are far higher than a broken heart.

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Each visual replays those "will they, won’t they" moments we adore, but instead of two flawed lovers, it’s humanity and the environment caught in a cycle of hurt and make-up. We see our grand romantic gestures for what they really are: unsustainable, empty promises. And yet, there’s something endearing about the fact that we’re still trying. It’s messy, it’s complicated, but isn’t that what all the best love stories are? By playing with the familiar language of rom-coms, this project forces us to confront the contradictions we live every day—our love for the planet alongside our habitual neglect. It’s not about demonizing that love, but about recognizing that it’s time to rewrite the script, starting with an honest look at the ways we’ve romanticized our relationship with nature. The planet deserves more than a grand gesture; it deserves commitment, accountability, and maybe, just maybe, a new kind of love story altogether.

 

Art Direction, idea & photography: Tabea Mathern | Set Design, Costume Maker & Fashion Styling: Raki Fernandez | Hair & Make Up: Maria Boman
Set Design Assistance: Julia Raschia | Photo Assistance: Florian Reimann