Installation view, BURTYNSKY: EXTRACTION / ABSTRACTION © Justin Piperger, 2024 Image courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London

Written by Meighan Ashford

Photo Edited by Kelly Woodyard

World-renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky's extraordinary career is on display in a massive exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London. Through “Edward Burtynsky: Witnessing the Impact,” or the largest retrospective in his 40+ year career- viewers can embark on a profound journey through the impact of humanity on the planet, showing his lifetime observation of the environmental effects of industrial processes and the encroachment of humanity upon the natural world.

This exhibition provides a thorough overview of Burtynsky's lifelong research, subsequently devoted to highlighting the effects of human industry on the natural world. Renowned art world figure, Marc Mayer, curated the exhibition. It not only features more than 90 large-format photos and 13 high-definition murals- but a cutting-edge augmented reality experience. Notably, it encourages the visitors to witness Burtynsky's far-reaching vision of environmental change and the effects of industrial processes on the environment.

A dynamic examination of the intricate relationship between industrial development and environmental degradation is provided by the immersive 2022 film presentation- "In the Wake of Progress.” Inviting viewers to confront the harsh realities of modern civilization's impact on the planet, the cinematic experience gives Burtynsky's body of work a new depth, while allowing viewers escapism from harsh realities by giving them a glimpse of the harsh realities of the natural world, seeing not only environmental damages but harm.

Moreover, an innovative feature of the show is the "Process Archive.” The Process Archive charts Burtynsky's development as a photographer across the last few decades' technological advancements. The component brings Burtynsky's creative process to light while demonstrating both his painstaking attention to detail and engagement with his subject matter. Each serves as a hallmark characteristic of his practice as people move through Burtynsky's extensive body of work, the glaring beauty and undeniable destruction from human activity are revealed. Each picture serves as a powerful reminder of the precarious balance between progress and preservation as you enter the gallery.

Burtynsky's message is powerfully amplified by this exhibition. In doing so, he incentivizes immediate action in response to the world’s current ecological crisis. Two factors- the size and scope of his vision- are so striking that it is impossible to not be moved bringing visitors in one by one as they peruse the galleries with their vast collections of photos on the walls. Ultimately,his images extend beyond sole documentation- but are deep reflections on the relationship between nature and humanity.

In the end, "Edward Burtynsky: Witnessing the Impact" is a tremendous creative and intellectual accomplishment. Burtynsky encourages us to face the consequences of our actionswhile carving a path toward a more sustainable future. Burtynsky, with his painstaking craftsmanship and unwavering dedication, offers a life-changing experience. Widely significant, it exists long after leaving the gallery walls. Shown from February 14th to May 6th- “Edward Burtynsky: Witnessing the Impact" is certainly worth viewing!