Edward Burtynsky's 2000 Shipbreaking Photograph from Bangladesh

In 2000, Edward Burtynsky produced Shipbreaking #4 Field Proof, which captures the shipbreaking industry in Chittagong, Bangladesh. This chromogenic print, sized at 38 by 46 inches, is part of a limited edition of twelve and is showcased by Hasted Hunt Kraeutler gallery. On October 23, 2010, Artcritical released information about the piece. The photograph illustrates the dismantling of ships along Bangladesh's coast, emphasizing safety and environmental issues. Burtynsky’s work explores the effects of industrial activities on landscapes, exposing the underlying structures of global consumption. The limited edition influences market access, and its large dimensions amplify its visual presence, prompting contemplation on labor conditions and international trade. Shipbreaking fits into Burtynsky's extensive study of industrial environments.