Name/Title
Salt Ponds #4, Near Naglou Sam Sam, Senegal, 2019Entry/Object ID
2023.04.01Description
Edward Burtynsky (b.1955, St. Catherines, Ontario) is regarded as one of the world's most accomplished contemporary photographers. Early exposure to the sites and images of the General Motors plant in his hometown helped to formulate the development of his photographic work. For over 40 years, Burtynsky has captured depictions of the global industrial landscape. From farms to mines, his images document the various ways humanity has been shaped by consumption and the impacts we are having on the surface of the planet.
Part of his Africa Studies, the work examines the complex geopolitical environment of mineral extraction, agriculture, and urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa. For over seven years, the artist has travelled to Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Madagascar and Tanzania to capture their unique landscapes.
Burtynsky BAA in Photography/ Media Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in 1982, and in 1985 founded Toronto Image Works, a darkroom rental facility, custom photo laboratory, digital imaging and new media computer-training centre catering to all levels of Toronto's art community. He is still actively involved in the university community and sits on the board of directors for The Image Centre (formerly Ryerson Image Centre).
Burtynsky's photographs are included in the collections of over 60 major museums around the world, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, the Tate Modern in London, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in California.Artwork Details
Medium
pigment print on archival paperMade/Created
Date made
2019Edition
Special 2022 ed. 2/15