Richard Misrach, *Untitled (July 20, 2013 4:10PM)*, 2013 © Richard Misrach, courtesy Pace Gallery

Written by Megan May Walsh

Edited by Jana Massoud

Nature always seems to have an alluring effect on human beings. It captivates the spirit by providing moments of peace, solace, and stillness amidst a world of chaos, anxiety, and incessant movement. Wading into the calm oceanic waters offers the comfort of Mother Nature’s soft touch, a majestic caress to remind you that everything will be okay. Gaping eyes wide at the raging waves of the sea reminds you that you are not alone in your despair. Mother Nature is weeping alongside you. She is there for you for your triumphs, failures, loves, and losses.

Richard Misrach, Acrobat Super Grid, 2012 © Richard Misrach, courtesy Pace Gallery

Richard Misrach presents his work, At the still point of the turning world, 2002-2022, with Pace Gallery New York - a mesmeric and wondrous collection that examines the relationship we, as humans, have with the natural world. Inspired by Walker Evan’s 1938 subway portrait series, Misrach found his own spot to watch and capture the world as it unfolds around him - a hotel balcony in Hawaii overlooking the beach. Perching on the balcony over the course of two decades, Misrach captured the various walks of life that unfolded on the beach in search of something. Saturated with an air of mystery, the beach brought surfers, bathers, sun worshippers, kayakers, yoga practitioners, lovers, and wanderers. Each with their own story, Misrach snapped the strangers from a distance on his balcony, creating a portrait of humans engaging with nature.

Richard Misrach, *Untitled (August 4, 2021 10:35AM)*, 2021 © Richard Misrach, courtesy Pace Gallery

Alongside the sheer beauty of humans splashing in the shallow waters of Mother Nature’s wild sea, Misrach also documented the tragic footstep of humanity on the majestic forces of nature. Raging fires burning the horizon, nuclear test sites wrecking the air, and animal burial pits marking catastrophic losses are just a few of the images revealing the devastating effects of human intervention and industrialization on the natural world. At the still point of the turning world is an exhibition of two worlds: an otherworldly wonder of desert seas, rock formations, and fluffy clouds and an all-too-real dying world.

Richard Misrach, *Pink Storm #1 (967910FC)*, 2018 © Richard Misrach, courtesy Pace Gallery

With climate change threatening to make the images of natural beauty a piece of history, Misrach puts together a politically charged collection to remind us that his images of beauty will always be haunted by his images of tragedy unless something drastically changes. Observing the world from a point in space over two decades reveals just how much things change. Soon the ocean that promises to soothe you in times of stress and scream with you in times of rage will be drowning the world in its own sorrows and devastation.

Richard Misrach, *Untitled #549000FC (Two Swimmers)*. 2008 © Richard Misrach, courtesy Pace Gallery

Pace Gallery will be presenting Richard Misrach’s exhibition At the still point of the turning world, 2002-2022 from March 11 to April 16 where photographs of Misrach’s On the Beach, State of the Union, Notations, and Acrobat series, among other pieces of work will be displayed. Located at 510 West 25th Street, Pace is a leading international art gallery representing some of the most influential artists. For more information on Misrach’s exhibition, please visit https://www.pacegallery.com/artists/richard-misrach/

Richard Misrach: At the still point of the turning world, 2002-2022 510 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10001
March 11 – April 16, 2022
Photography courtesy Pace Gallery

Photo Editor: Miller Lyle