Edward Burtynsky's 'The Great Acceleration' Retrospective at ICP Explores Environmental Impact
On display until 28 September 2025 at the International Center of Photography in New York is 'The Great Acceleration,' a retrospective showcasing the work of Edward Burtynsky. This exhibition features more than 70 photographs that capture industrial landscapes from 20 different nations. Born in 1955, Burtynsky was inspired to pursue photography after his training as a tool and die maker at Ontario's General Motors site. His notable series, such as 'Tailings' (1996) and works from Gujarat, India, highlight the environmental impacts of resource extraction. The collection also includes portraits, such as that of a 95-year-old woman in China, and aerial views of a U.S. open-pit copper mine. The exhibition aligns with Climate Week NYC (21–28 September 2025) to foster discussions about humanity's connection to the Earth.
Key facts
- Edward Burtynsky's retrospective 'The Great Acceleration' runs at ICP, New York until 28 September 2025.
- The exhibition features over 70 photographs, including many never before exhibited.
- Burtynsky has documented industrial sites in over 20 countries since the 1980s.
- His early inspiration came from Ontario's General Motors plant and training as a tool and die maker.
- Series include 'Tailings' (1996) from Sudbury, Ontario, and images from the Little Rann of Kutch, India.
- The show includes rarely seen portraits, such as one of a 95-year-old woman in Zhejiang Province, China.
- Burtynsky refuted critics who say his work aestheticizes environmental degradation in a Guardian interview.
- The exhibition coincides with Climate Week NYC (21–28 September 2025) and ICP's focus on 'concerned photography'.
Entities
Artists
- Edward Burtynsky
- Emma Jacob
Institutions
- International Center of Photography
- Howard Greenberg Gallery
- CNN
- Guardian
- General Motors
- Climate Week NYC
Locations
- New York
- USA
- Canada
- Ontario
- Sudbury
- Salt Lake City
- India
- Gujarat
- Little Rann of Kutch
- Bangladesh
- Chittagong
- China
- Zhejiang Province
- Arabian Sea
- Great Pacific Garbage Patch
- Ghana
- Western Canada
- Crean Hill Mine
- Scottsdale Arizona
- Qili Port
- Grey County