Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky chronicles the impact of oil consumption in his new exhibit Edward Burtynsky: Oil at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
The 56 large-scale color photographs in the exhibit represent the more than 12 years Burtynsky spent exploring the world of oil. From 1997 through 2009, Burtynsky traveled internationally, from Bangladesh to Kazakhstan, to chronicle the production, distribution, use and depletion of oil.
“Edward Burtynsky’s images of industry and altered landscapes are among the most powerful, most visceral photographs being made today. His body of work on oil is an extraordinary undertaking — a profound and unprecedented look at a subject that affects all of our lives,” said Paul Roth, senior curator of photography and media arts at the Corcoran.
Burtynsky’s exploration is organized thematically with aerial views of oil fields, the architecture of massive refineries, highway interchanges sharking across the landscape, and motorculture aficionados at automotive events. Burtynsky concludes his exploration with a series of manufactured landscapes including ancient oil derricks, junked vehicles, recycling yards, and mammoth shipbreaking operations.
Edward Burtynsky: Oil continues at the Corcoran Gallery of Art through December 2009.
Visit: http://www.corcoran.org/
Comments (2)
B - I suggest learning more about the guy before you jump to conclusions: he openly acknowledges the "harm" he does, he carbon-offsets his travel, and understands the complexity of the world more than you ever will with such a closed mind. He dedicates his work to his children, who he values dearly, and he works towards helping people understand the world better so that his children -- and everyones' children -- can have a shot at a less grim future.
written by Response to B , October 07, 2009
written by Response to B , October 07, 2009
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I am from a generation that will no longer be able to travel the world freely, for political, economic and environmental reasons, and this guy is just another example of how every generation values themselves more than the next.
written by B , October 06, 2009