Groundbreaking exhibition explores human impact on the planet through large-scale photographs by Edward Burtynsky
The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Monday, September 22, 2025


Groundbreaking exhibition explores human impact on the planet through large-scale photographs by Edward Burtynsky
Edward Burtynsky, Uralkali Potash Mine #2, Berezniki, Russia, 2017. Photo © Edward Burtynsky, courtesy Metivier Gallery, Toronto.



OTTAWA.- Anthropocene, the new multimedia exhibition on view at the National Gallery of Canada from September 28, 2018 to February 24, 2019 is the result of an ambitious four-year collaboration between the renowned artist Edward Burtynsky and award-winning filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier. Using the most cutting-edge technology of our time, combining film, photography, augmented reality (AR) and scientific research, the exhibition offers a spectacular panorama of the enormous impact humanity has had on the planet.

“Photography is among some of the most transformative inventions – and this ambitious exhibition takes the medium to the next level with the use of immersive technology,” said Marc Mayer, Director and CEO of the National Gallery of Canada. “Through stunning photographs, films and innovative augmented reality installations – we are encouraged to explore and reflect upon the consequences of our modern way of life.”

Measuring 66 metres high, 12 metres in circumference and with a canopy spread of 18.3 metres, the artists transported a near-to-scale rendering of “Big Lonely Doug”, Canada’s second largest Douglas Fir tree, from its home in a clear-cut on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to the Gallery’s Scotiabank Great Hall. This AR installation of the 1,000-year-old tree, triggered using a specially designed mobile app, towers over visitors as they make their way to the entrance of the exhibition.

Once inside the show, visitors come face-to-face with Sudan, the last male northern white rhinoceros who died in March 2018 at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, brought back to life through a detailed 3D image triggered by the same app. The app also enables visitors using their smartphone or tablet to walk around a third AR installation – a near-to-scale experience of the largest pile of elephant ivory, poached from between 6,000 and 7,000 elephants, which was set on fire at Nairobi National Park in Kenya on April 30, 2016.

“Many people now use cell phones to interact with the world”, said Andrea Kunard, Associate Curator at the Canadian Photography Institute of the National Gallery of Canada and curator of the exhibition at the Gallery. “We wanted to incorporate that aspect of lived experience in the art gallery setting. Including new lens-based technologies in the exhibition provides a richer experience for the visitor.”

Visitors to the show will also be able to access an interactive film wall displaying nine short and stunning clips by Baichwal and de Pencier depicting diverse subjects such as the huge landfill site in Nairobi, Kenya, a seemingly endless procession of coal trains in Wyoming, and coral bleaching in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Film extensions by Baichwal and de Pencier are also triggered through the mobile app to complement wall-sized, high-resolution murals photographed by Edward Burtynsky.

The exhibition is part of a larger project which includes the documentary film, ANTHROPOCENE: The Human Epoch, which had its world premiere at TIFF ’18 and had its Ottawa premiere at the National Gallery of Canada September 27, 2018, and an art book published by Steidl, on sale at the Gallery Boutique. Anthropocene is based on the research of the Anthropocene Working Group, an international organization of scientists working to determine whether the Earth has left the Holocene and entered a new geological epoch ― the Anthropocene. The exhibition is complemented by an educational program organized by the Gallery that explores the issues raised in the photographs, films and augmented reality installations, and includes an interactive area where visitors can learn more about The Anthropocene Project, and share their comments on a social media wall about what they have seen and experienced. As Burtynsky himself noted, “The work asks more questions than it answers; which is what artists are there to do.”

To fully experience the exhibition, visitors to the National Gallery of Canada are encouraged to download the free AVARA app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store in advance of their visit. The app can then be used to activate each of the augmented reality installations, interactive experiences and film extensions within the high-resolution murals. iPads with the app pre-installed also are available within the exhibition space.

Anthropocene is organized by the Canadian Photography Institute of the National Gallery of Canada and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and co-produced with the Fondazione MAST, Bologna, Italy. A complementary exhibition runs at the AGO in Toronto from September 28, 2018 to January 6, 2019. The exhibitions each offer a rich and distinct experience, with key works on display at both venues.










Today's News

October 1, 2018

Zao Wou-Ki 'Juin-Octobre 1985' sets three auction records at US$65 million

'Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America' premieres at the Milwaukee Art Museum

One of a kind gold Ferrari set to dazzle in Sotheby's first ever auction dedicated entierly to gold

Recently discovered tapestry commissioned by Henry VIII goes on display in London for the first time

Groundbreaking exhibition explores human impact on the planet through large-scale photographs by Edward Burtynsky

Sotheby's unveils its third dedicated sale of modern & contemporary African art in London

Moderna Museet Malmo opens a comprehensive presentation of Rosemarie Trockel's work

Crow Museum of Art celebrates 20th year with new name, multi-million-dollar expansion

Exhibition at Kunsthalle Bern draws on unlimited resources inside the structures and stories of art

Fine Paintings Auction at Doyle on October 10

Chicago blues pioneer Otis Rush dead, wife says

LABIOMISTA announces midway point and completion of Mario Botta-designed studio building

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County opens its first ever large screen 3D theater

Tomasso Brothers unveils a new Renaissance bronze discovery

Parcours des Mondes 2018: Closing report

Arlene Shechet creates public art installation at Madison Square Park

Paris names its first street after a fashion designer

Art Sonje Center presents Francis Alÿs' first solo exhibition in Korea

Exhibition spotlights master of Korean modern architecture

Exhibition includes a new body of photographic works by Melanie Manchot

Ludwig Muzeum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia

Contemporary Arts Center welcomes new Curatorial Fellow of lens-based arts

Exhibition of Robert Neffson's recent paintings on view at Louis K. Meisel Gallery

Independent Curators International announces Amanda Parmer as Director of Programs




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 




Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)


Editor: Ofelia Zurbia Betancourt

Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful