edward burtynsky illustrates how humanity impacts our planet in saatchi gallery exhibition

BURTYNSKY: Extraction/Abstraction at Saatchi Gallery london

From February 14, 2024, Saatchi Gallery in London presents BURTYNSKY: Extraction/Abstraction, the largest exhibition in the 40+ year career of renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky. The show features 94 large-format photographs as well as 13 high-resolution murals and an augmented reality (AR) experience, vividly portraying the artist’s commitment to documenting the impact of human industry on our planet. A highlight of the exhibition is the never-before-seen Process Archive, revealing Burtynsky’s adaptation to evolving photographic technologies that have occurred over recent decades.

Burtynsky: Extraction/ Abstraction, a retrospective of the photographer’s work, is at Saatchi Gallery, London SW3, from Feb 14 to May 6; Edward Burtynsky — New Works is at Flowers Gallery, London W1, from Feb 28 to Apr 6

Exploring Humanity’s Impact through Edward Burtynsky’s lens

The exhibition at Saatchi Gallery (find more here) highlights Edward Burtynsky’s profound exploration of humanity’s imprint on the natural world and the ecological fallout of industrialization. Spanning two floors of the London venue, the show delves into five thematic sections: Abstraction, Agriculture, Extraction, Manufacturing & Industry, and Waste.

One of the exhibition’s special features is the presentation of the photographer’s most ambitious project to date, titled In the Wake of Progress. Produced in collaboration with music icon Bob Ezrin (known for his work with Pink Floyd, Andrea Bocelli, Peter Gabriel, Taylor Swift and many others), this 22-minute multimedia experience immerses viewers in the narrative of human industry’s effect on Earth. Through captivating visuals and an original score, the presentation prompts reflection on our legacy and encourages a pursuit of sustainability.

Burtynsky: Extraction/ Abstraction, a retrospective of the photographer’s work, is at Saatchi Gallery, London SW3, from Feb 14 to May 6; Edward Burtynsky — New Works is at Flowers Gallery, London W1, from Feb 28 to Apr 6

the Beauty and Urgency of Environmental Transformation

Through a deep historical understanding of image-making, and a mastery of the photographic medium, Burtynsky offers viewers a glimpse into unseen landscapes that shape our present and define our future habitat. His work not only reflects a deep ecological concern but also uncovers the unexpected beauty in industry’s impact on our planet. The exhibition also spotlights local and national organizations championing sustainability, biodiversity, conservation, and climate change, providing an interactive space for engagement and online resources. Visitors are encouraged to share their hopes for a sustainable future, contributing to the dialogue surrounding these crucial issues.

‘I have spent over 40 years bearing witness to the ways in which modern civilization has dramatically transformed our planet. At this time, the awareness of these issues presented by my large format images has never felt more urgent,’ shares Edward Burtynsky. ‘I am grateful to be mounting the largest exhibition of my career at Saatchi Gallery in London, UK and I hope the exhibition experience will continue to provide inflection points for diverse conversations on these issues and move us all to a place of positive action.’

Burtynsky: Extraction/ Abstraction, a retrospective of the photographer’s work, is at Saatchi Gallery, London SW3, from Feb 14 to May 6; Edward Burtynsky — New Works is at Flowers Gallery, London W1, from Feb 28 to Apr 6