Globalisation continues to shape the world, from food availability to technological growth and the spread of ideas across cultures. These advancements make life easier with more abundance, but photographer Edward Burtynsky’s newest exhibition, Natural Commodities, begs the question: at what cost? On display at the Howard Greenberg Gallery in New York City until September 20, this collection explores the underlying harm in industrialisation and warns what could happen to our planet on its current trajectory.
This collection brings together scenes from two very different settings: images featuring the beauty of nature and those highlighting human disregard for the environment. Side-by-side, these photos evoke a powerful image, reminding us of the world in its former and current states. Burtynsky accents this dichotomy, showcasing images of sulfur springs beside the remains of mining sites and picturesque rivers alongside processing plants.
More deeply embedded in these images is the lurking danger of climate change. The mountain range in British Columbia, Canada that appears to be a picturesque natural landscape also reveals severe glacial recession in the area. Burtynsky bakes these subtle nods to the consequences of global warming in his pictures, suggesting the permanent tarnish of environmental beauty.
Documentation of what was and what remains, Burtynsky hopes, will help society heed the warnings. “My daughters will not see the same world I’ve seen in my lifetime,” Burtynsky comments. “These photographs bear witness to change that is already underway –irreversible in some cases– and ask us to consider the legacy we are leaving behind.”
The exhibition Natural Commodities by Edward Burtynsky is on view through September 20 at Howard Greenberg Gallery, 41 E 57th St 8th Floor, New York, NY.
Tailings Pond #1, Kamoa Kakula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2024 © Edward Burtynsky, courtesy Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York.
Echo Bay #1, Lake Mead, Nevada, USA, 2023 © Edward Burtynsky, courtesy Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York.
Rainforest #3, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA, 2024 © Edward Burtynsky, courtesy Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York.
Coast Mountains #20, Monarch Ice Cap, British Columbia, Canada, 2023 © Edward Burtynsky, courtesy Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York.
Çayırhan Coal Mine Tailings #1, Nallıhan District, Ankara Province, Central Anatolia, Türkiye, 2022 © Edward Burtynsky, courtesy Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York.