The world from above: How aerial photography captures climate change
Aerial photography has the power to reveal the unseen, to offer a fresh perspective on our planet's changing landscape. It's a unique lens through which we can witness the impact of climate change, and the upcoming exhibition, Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet, is a testament to this. This collection of photographs, films, and sculptures takes viewers on a journey through time and space, exploring the delicate balance between the natural world and human intervention. But what makes this exhibition truly remarkable is the way it uses aerial photography to capture the essence of our planet's current state.
The exhibition is divided into four zones: Extinction, Climate, Community, and Renewal. Each zone offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our world. But it's the aerial photographs that truly stand out, offering a fresh and thought-provoking take on the environment. From the breathtaking blues and golds of Iceland's Hvíta River to the awe-inspiring breadth of Alaska's Brooks Range, these images are a testament to the beauty and fragility of our planet.
One of the most striking examples is Daniel Beltrá's shot of Iceland's Hvíta River. From above, the river's colors marble together in a way that resembles an abstract painting. It's a powerful image that captures the river's beauty and the impact of glacial meltwater and sediment. Similarly, Sebastião Salgado's aerial image of Alaska's Brooks Range brings the entire mountain range and its river system into a single composition, offering a sense of awe and wonder.
But it's not just the landscapes that are captured from above. Paul Nicklen's drone shot of a polar bear crossing sea ice is a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of our planet's wildlife. From ground level, we might feel a sense of connection and empathy for the bear, but from above, we're stripped of these emotions. What's left is a clean, almost geometrical composition, emphasizing the bear's vulnerability against the vast forces of nature.
Richard Mosse takes this sense of detachment even further with his shot of log barges. His use of infrared, rendering the vegetation red and water black, is an inspired decision. It swaps objectivity for a clear editorial line, making the image even more powerful. These photographs are not just beautiful; they're thought-provoking and thought-provoking. They pull countless small details into a broader picture, revealing larger patterns and deeper truths.
But what's truly fascinating is the way these aerial photographs offer a new perspective on climate change. They're not just about the impact of human intervention on the natural world; they're about the solutions and the hope for the future. They offer a fresh take on the challenges facing our planet, and they remind us of the importance of taking action. Personally, I think that's what makes this exhibition so powerful. It's not just about the images; it's about the message they carry and the call to action they inspire.
The Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the environment and the impact of climate change. It's a thought-provoking and inspiring collection of photographs, films, and sculptures that offers a fresh perspective on our planet's current state. So, if you're in Cornwall, England, this September, make sure to visit the Eden Project and experience this unique and powerful exhibition for yourself.
