The M9 – Museo del ‘900 in Venice Mestre is set to showcase “BURTYNSKY: Extraction/Abstraction,” the largest solo exhibition of Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky, from June 21, 2024, to January 12, 2025. Curated by Marc Mayer and designed by Alvisi Kirimoto, the exhibition provides an in-depth look at Burtynsky’s extensive work documenting the environmental impacts of human activity.
Edward Burtynsky’s photographs are celebrated for their striking portrayal of the beauty and devastation of landscapes altered by industry. His images serve as a powerful reflection on sustainability and the urgent need for environmental stewardship. Burtynsky’s ethos is encapsulated in his belief: “We come from nature. It’s important to have a certain reverence for what nature is because we are connected to it. If we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves.”
The exhibition is centered around the “Scheggia,” a freestanding structure that enhances the viewing experience. Composed of three irregularly shaped folded sheets, the Scheggia serves as a defining element of the exhibition space, facilitating an immersive experience for visitors.
Spanning three floors, the exhibition is meticulously curated to provide a comprehensive overview of Burtynsky’s work. The first floor features the immersive installation “In the Wake of Progress,” a powerful visual narrative of human impact on the environment. The second floor offers an introductory overview of Burtynsky’s career, highlighted by the “Xylella” series, documenting the devastation of olive trees in Puglia caused by the Xylella bacterium.
The third floor, dedicated entirely to the exhibition, is divided into sections focusing on abstraction, industrial themes, and the artist’s process. This floor includes framed photographs, large-scale murals, and an augmented reality experience, offering a multi-faceted exploration of Burtynsky’s themes.
All images in this article are courtesy of Marco Cappelletti.
