Asia Society : Coal + Ice
Geng Yunsheng : Yunnan Province, China, 2002
Written by: Max Wiener
Photo Edited by: Billy Delfs
COAL + ICE
13 February 2024 - 11 August 2024
Calls for help to preserve Asia’s stunning landscape highlight the Asia Society’s profound new exhibition.
In the current zeitgeist, nature photography has an entirely different meaning. Previously, we appreciated the beauty of our world because it felt eternal, almost as if it would outlast us. Now, as climate change becomes more life-threatening and far atop political agendas, we must appreciate nature with vigilance. We have to now appreciate it for its current state, as time will only have detrimental effects on our world; doing so is imperative. At the Asia Society in New York City, COAL + ICE highlights this sentiment. Its intent is to showcase the natural beauty of the corresponding continent’s world, from the cold peaks of the Himalayas to the beautiful topography. Nonetheless, a potent issue lies deep within the installation’s surface. Each piece may have both beauty and purpose, but they all promote introspection. COAL + ICE opened on February 13th and has a scheduled closing date of August 11th.
Clifford Ross : Nazare Wave IX, Portugal, 2022
This series brings together over thirty photographers and video artists from across the world, each possessing the unique ability to highlight our world’s climate crisis while showing Earth’s impeccable beauty. The balance on the fine line between art and politics allows it to be more like a coalition. Since its inception in 2011, COAL + ICE’s aim has consistently been the advocation for the preservation of our natural world, and it has progressed to become one of the loudest, most poignant voices in the climate world.
Jimmy Chin : Mount Everest, Main Rongbuk Glacier, Tibet, China, 2007
The natural landscapes of Asia are nothing shy of humbling. Massive peaks from Everest to K2 represent how profound our planet truly is, and how we each occupy a far more powerful entity during our time on Earth. Each image testifies to how we are truly walking on sacred land. A rich crispness exists in each photograph, almost as if you can smell fresh air through the frame. Even more, they present the true vastness of the landscape in stunning fashion. Doing so is literally overwhelming, with an impressive size and impeccable stature. Several installations take up entire walls, taking one as close as possible to a mountain’s base. As you walk through and pass each piece, you’ll immediately recognize it as one of the most immersive art experiences possible.
Darcy Padilla : California, USA, 2017. Courtesy of the artist/Agence VU’
It is easy to get lost in the beauty of COAL + ICE. But, let us not forget its purpose. Our world is dying rapidly, with many experts giving us less than ten years before the effects of climate change are irreversible. Yet, it is up to each and everyone one of us to both save and savor it. We all owe it to one another to do our part- consistently. Ultimately, viewing each work helps us realize that. It’s a matter of life and death.
