Environmental Photography
August 18th, 2005
Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky has been exploring and documenting in stunning images ‘residual landscapes’. He explains that they are predominantely of “nature transformed through industry”.
“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.”
Edward Burtynsky’s work is currently on display at the Cantor Art Center at Stanford University.
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August 21st, 2005 at 7:10 am
As a nature photographer, I dabble in the occassional environmental photograph, showing the contrast, but this photograph of the oil rigs – it stopped me totally in my tracks. I want to cry but my throat is dry.
It’s not often such images speak so loudly about the destructive force of man. Thank you.
August 22nd, 2005 at 3:19 pm
Lorelle,
I’m glad you found our blog and were so touched by Burtynsky’s photograph. The designers and Vestal and I hope you continue your environmental photography, and please feel free to share your images with us! Thanks!
July 6th, 2006 at 11:14 am
[...] Related posts: Environmental Photography, Portraits of American Mass Consumption [...]
February 28th, 2007 at 8:11 am
Whoa….check out this page…hmmm, and I thought this was only for the kids
April 26th, 2007 at 9:20 am
What is the title of the image above, and where was it taken? Thank you.