Edward Burtynsky - Manufactured Landscapes

Hey Everyone,

Recently in class we watched the movie Manufactured Landscapes. This movie was created by world renown photographer Edward Burtynsky. He is from Canada and has worked with many museums such as the National Gallery of Canada or Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., to display his work. He is a very good photographer, but also conscious of what is happening around the world. His photography and film comment on the world today as it is effected by industry. This commentary that has been left open to viewers opinions, good or bad, bring up many questions. Are the world's new landscapes beautiful? Is it a tragedy that nature is being altered in this way?

Check out this short video interview of Burtynsky discussing his work:



Personally, I find his images to be very informative as well as impactive. I felt that the movie was very interesting as you got to see what really goes on in landfills and workplaces in China (among other places). It was also very depressing. It was hard to watch at moments because it just made you think the planet is hopeless. This was a really good subject for Burtynsky to publicize. I would imagine that bringing so much attention to the issue at hand would in fact start a reaction to change.

If you can, take a look at the video or at his website, to see some of his work.

Tell me what you think,

~K