FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Edward Burtynsky

Oil Fields


January 11 - February 8, 2003


EDWARD BURTYNSKY's photographs, monumental both in scale and subject, capture the indomitable spirit of nature in the face of human-imposed adversity. The Oil Field series, recently featured in Blind Spot magazine, once again highlights BURTYNSKY's ability to capture real landscapes at their most surreal and otherworldly moments. With Oil Fields BURTYNSKY continues his exploration of the impact of petroleum as a commodity through its production and transportation. As he did in Urban Mines (1997-99) with oil filters and tire piles, Oil Refineries (1999), and most recently Shipbreaking (2001-02) in Bangladesh, BURTYNSKY finds the visually compelling in industrial vistas with layered readings as to their meaning.

BURTYNSKY's work is remarkable for its rich detail achieved through his expert choice of tools. He uses a large format viewfinder camera to capture the compositions in situ. Punctuated with unexpected reference points like tire tracks and machinery, the expansive terrain is fully celebrated in the epic proportions of his prints.

BURTYNSKY's works are included in distinguished museum collections including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; and Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. A mid-career retrospective, Manufactured Landscapes, organized by the National Gallery of Canada will debut January 31- May 4, and then travel to the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

Residual Landscapes, a limited edition book with an interview by Michael Torosian, is for sale ($200). A special slipcased version of Residual Landscapes, edition of 20, includes a Giclée print ($450).

The exhibition will be on view at the Charles Cowles Gallery, 537 West 24th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues in Chelsea. Hours are 10am to 6pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

There will be a reception for the artist on Friday, January 10 from 6-8 pm.

For further information or photographs, please contact the gallery.

Above image: Oil Fields #22, Cold Lake Production Project, Cold Lake, Alberta, 2001 chromogenic print, 40 x 50"