The atmosphere and ethereal quality reflect Hughes' artistic approach of creating work that resides in one's mind rather than documenting reality. The poles in the snowy field symbolise humanity's attempts to overrun the environment, while the moon represents nature's enduring presence beyond human intervention.

Hughes conceived this three-part allegory by observing our past to see our future. Created over two years of careful observation, the work embodies his philosophy that artists must withdraw from the world to better attend to it. Through his mastery of "slow photography" using large-format cameras and film, Hughes creates what Brett Rogers describes as a rare opportunity for viewers to "slow down, take time to reflect and meditate on our relationship to Nature."