Edward Burtynsky is an industrial photographer, specializing in large format work. Many of the images produced are aerial images over the industrial areas such as toxic deltas or large open cast mines. His portfolio is not limited to just industrial however that is the focus of my interest.
The work he has produced over the decades resonates not only for the current project but passed as well. Some images such as the outflows or deltas lead to a very abstract image which is where Burtynsky aims his work, ‘I like it when the viewer can’t ‘get it’ instantly,” says Burtynsky, poring over one of his two-metre wide prints to find a clue that proves we are looking at a river delta, not just an abstract swirl of reds and browns.’ 1
The image from the open cast copper mine shows that scale that mining has been allowed to expand in some regions of the world. Other mining images such as the Iberia collection show a more humble mining operation. It has to be realised that even the most humble of operations still impact the planet.
The image here entitled Iberia Quarries #4 Solubema Co Bencatel Portugal may be mistaken for a small mine but when you read the image you will see the road. At first, a road is just seen, but scaling the road against the large stone blocks and the size of a truck the true implications of the mine are realised.
This work ties well with my current project and the use of large-format, panoramic or aerial images is something to consider as the practice develops.
References
Figure 1 Edward Burtynsky Iberia Quarries #4 https://www.flowersgallery.com/artists/145-edward-burtynsky/
1 Oliver Wainwright https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/sep/15/edward-burtynsky-photography-interview
