The world from above: A new perspective on climate change
The Earthrise photo, captured by astronaut William Anders during the 1968 Apollo 8 mission, sparked the modern ecological movement. It's a powerful reminder of how photography can convey the impact of climate change by offering a unique perspective. This concept is at the heart of the new exhibition, 'Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet', opening at the Eden Project in Cornwall, England.
This exhibition showcases photography, film, and sculpture within four themed zones: Extinction, Climate, Community, and Renewal. It's a journey through time, focusing on the present and offering a hopeful vision for the future. The photographs on display share an interesting approach: to truly see things as they are, one must gain some altitude.
One such photograph is Daniel Beltrá's shot of Iceland's Høvita River. From above, the blues and golds of the river, formed by glacial meltwater and sediment, marble together in an abstract painting-like composition. Sebastião Salgado's aerial image of Alaska's Brooks Range brings the entire mountain range and its river system into a single awe-inspiring composition. Paul Nicklen's drone shot of a polar bear crossing sea ice strips away the sentimental feelings associated with ground-level shots, leaving a clean, almost geometrical composition that emphasizes the bear's vulnerability.
Richard Mosse pushes this sense of detachment further with his shot of log barges from above. His use of infrared, rendering vegetation red and water black, is an inspired decision, swapping objectivity for a clear editorial line in the visual itself. These pictures are not just beautiful; they reveal larger patterns and deeper truths by pulling countless small details into a broader picture.
The lesson for photographers is clear: whether shooting wildlife, landscapes, or other natural phenomena, there's often an argument for stepping back, up, and outwards from the detail. This allows for a wider perspective that can tell an altogether different story. The exhibition is less about doom and gloom and more about providing solutions and a positive vision of the future.
'Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet' runs at the Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall, PL24 2SG. The opening times vary, so check the website for the most up-to-date information. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in photography, climate change, and the future of our planet. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of seeing things from a new perspective.
