The world from above: A new perspective on climate change
The Earth from above is a breathtaking sight. It's a perspective that can only be gained by looking down from the sky, and it's a view that has the power to change our understanding of the world. The new exhibition, Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet, at the Eden Project in Cornwall, England, showcases this unique perspective through photography, film, and sculpture. The show is a journey through time and space, exploring the themes of extinction, climate, community, and renewal, and it offers a fresh and hopeful vision for the future.
One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is the use of aerial photography. By capturing the world from above, the photographers have created images that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. For example, Daniel Beltrá's shot of Iceland's Høvíta River is a stunning example of how aerial photography can reveal the beauty of nature. The blues and golds of the river, formed by a mixture of glacial meltwater and sediment, create a mesmerizing abstract painting-like effect. Similarly, Sebastião Salgado's aerial image of Alaska's Brooks Range brings the entire mountain range and its river system into a single composition, awe-inspiring in its breadth and detail.
However, the aerial perspective is not just about aesthetics. It's about pulling countless small details into a broader picture that reveals larger patterns and deeper truths. Paul Nicklen's drone shot of a polar bear crossing sea ice is a powerful example of this. By stripping away everything you'd see from ground level, such as eye contact and a sense of human-animal scale, the image emphasizes the bear's vulnerability against forces far larger than itself. It's a poignant reminder of the impact of climate change on our natural world.
Richard Mosse takes this sense of detachment even further with his shot of log barges from above. His use of infrared, rendering the vegetation red and water black, is an inspired decision that swaps objectivity for a clear editorial line in the visual itself. This technique not only creates a striking image but also highlights the human impact on the environment in a powerful way.
The exhibition is not just about showing the world from above. It's about providing solutions and a positive vision of the future. The photographers have captured the world as it is now, and their images offer a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet. The lesson for photographers, and for all of us, is clear: there's often an argument for stepping back, up, and outwards from the detail, and seeing things from a wider perspective that can tell an altogether different story.
Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet is a must-see for anyone interested in photography, climate change, and the future of our planet. The exhibition runs at the Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall, PL24 2SG, from September 17-27, 10:00-17:00, and from September 28-October 16, 10:00-16:00. From October 17-November 01, the opening times are 10:00-17:00, and from November 02-January 03, the opening times may vary. Personally, I think this exhibition is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet, and it's a must-see for anyone who wants to see the world from a new perspective.
In my opinion, the use of aerial photography in this exhibition is a brilliant way to showcase the impact of climate change. It's a perspective that many people don't realize is possible, and it's a powerful tool for raising awareness. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way the photographers have used their unique perspective to create images that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. From my perspective, this exhibition is a must-see for anyone who wants to see the world from a new angle and understand the impact of climate change on our planet.
