Stunning Images Of The Anthropocene

A month and a half ago, I reviewed a piece about the Anthropocene here, the geological epoch in which human activity can be verified through the analysis of rocks. In that piece, I tried to explain the controversy of the concept. Not only is it a matter of debate whether humans have really inaugurated a new geological era, but the date when we started doing so, and even its name is up for discussion, too.

But what does the Anthropocene look like?

Enter Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky. His work focuses on the extractive industries of this world and the eerie images they paint. From some of the largest coal mines in Europe to salt flats in India, Burtynksy's camera manages to capture images that are totally devoid of life, as if the last of humans had already gone and only our huge legacy of nature exploitation remained.

This article is Lauren Kelly's review of The Anthropocene Project, Burtynsky's latest exhibition. It includes a brief summary of what to expect, an introduction to the topic and a few quotes from the author, who's not shy to state the reason to take the camera and point it at our impact on nature:

“Scientists do a pretty terrible job of telling stories, whereas artists have the ability to take the world and make it accessible for everyone,” says the 63-year-old. “We are having a greater impact on the planet than all the natural systems combined. I’m trying to let people know that.”

And then, of course, the photos. The story includes eight of his shots, each of them both scary and mesmerizing. I don't usually piq photo galleries, but this one is something else. Describing them would not do them justice. You just have to see them.