Following the global success of Anthropocene, a multimedia exhibition documenting humanity's irreversible impact on the Earth, photographer Edward Burtynsky continues his exploration of the environmental effects of industrialization with a new exhibition, presented for the first time in Italy at M9 – Museum of the 20th Century. After a successful debut at the Saatchi Gallery in London, the Edward Burtynsky exhibition arrives in Italy, offering the most comprehensive retrospective of Burtynsky's more than 40-year career.
Renowned for his large-scale images of industrial landscapes, Burtynsky has dedicated his life to capturing the profound
impact of human activity on the planet. His work focuses on what he describes as "large-scale industrial incursions across the planet," documenting the often unseen consequences of industrial processes that serve our current needs but jeopardize the future of our environment.
Curated by Marc Mayer, former director of the National Gallery of Canada, with exhibition design by Alvisi Kirimoto, the
Edward Burtynsky exhibition features over 80 large-format photographs, 10 high-definition murals, and an Augmented Reality experience. A new section,
Process Archive, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the tools and technologies Burtynsky has used throughout his career, including drones that have expanded his ability to capture vast landscapes from unique perspectives.
Visitors will also encounter Burtynsky’s powerful photographic campaign from 2022, commissioned by the Sylva Foundation, which documents the environmental catastrophe caused by Xylella on Apulian olive trees. This collection starkly illustrates the
tangible impacts of climate change in Italy. Additionally, the exhibition screens the award-winning short film
In the Wake of Progress (2022), co-produced by Burtynsky and music producer Bob Ezrin, featuring original music by the late Phil Strong. Shown in immersive mode, it debuts in Italy in the M9 Orizzonti room.
Burtynsky’s large-scale images often appear as abstract fields of color, drawing the viewer in before revealing the devastating reality behind them—industrial landscapes that testify to the environmental toll of human progress. This Edward Burtynsky exhibition is a visual reminder of the
consequences of industrialization and climate change, prompting critical reflection on our role in shaping the planet’s future.
Burtynsky's work is housed in over 80 major museums worldwide. His notable exhibitions include
Anthropocene (2018),
Water (2013),
Oil (2009),
China (2005), and
Manufactured Landscapes (2003). Among his many accolades, Burtynsky received the 2023 PHotoESPAÑA Award and the Pino Pascali Award. He is also recognized for his role in producing the acclaimed documentary trilogy
Manufactured Landscapes,
Watermark, and
ANTHROPOCENE: The Human Epoch, all of which continue to be featured in festivals globally.
Images courtesy of
BataGoran,
CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons