In Counterbrand, photographer Matt Shallenberger (b. 1978, Hawaii) explores landscapes of the Antelope Valley of California. In the last 200 years, this valley has endured the rise and fall of several industries: mining, oil, agriculture, aerospace. Inhabitants of the valley live among the small evidences of each of these eras, only barely erased by the desert. The artifacts of one generation are layered upon those of another.

In cattle ranching, when a cow is sold or stolen, a new brand is made on top of the old one. This is called the counterbrand.

All images ©Matt Shallenberger