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Edward Burtynsky's Photographs

Last updated 9 September 2008

Exploring the Residual Landscape

Statement from Edward Burtynsky:

Nature transformed through industry is a predominant theme in my work. I set course to intersect with a contemporary view of the great ages of man; from stone, to minerals, oil, transportation, silicon, and so on. To make these ideas visible I search for subjects that are rich in detail and scale yet open in their meaning. Recycling yards, mine tailings, quarries and refineries are all places that are outside of our normal experience, yet we partake of their output on a daily basis.

These images are meant as metaphors to the dilemma of our modern existence; they search for a dialogue between attraction and repulsion, seduction and fear. We are drawn by desire - a chance at good living, yet we are consciously or unconsciously aware that the world is suffering for our success. Our dependence on nature to provide the materials for our consumption and our concern for the health of our planet sets us into an uneasy contradiction. For me, these images function as reflecting pools of our times.

See his Urban Mine photos on his website

When Edward won the 2005 TED Prize, he was granted three wishes. One wish was to encourage a worldwide conversation about the planet, its problems and some possible solutions. Burtynsky chose Worldchanging.com as the way to kick-start that conversation.

View the World Changing Introduction Video
View the Worldchanging.com Introduction Video

GO TO
.... www.worldchanging.com


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