Edward Burtynsky wins photography award, and shares it with his Ukrainian colleagues

CBC Radio
As It Happens

When Edward Burtynsky was honoured for his contribution to photography on Tuesday, he decided to share the spotlight with Ukrainians who are documenting the war with their cameras.

Burtynsky, a Canadian photographer of Ukrainian descent, won the prize for outstanding contribution to photography at the Sony World Photography Awards in London.

Read the Q&A and listen to the episode here.

‘We all participate’ – Edward Burtynsky on photographing the epic ravaging of Earth

By Andrew Dickson
The Guardian

From toxic lakes to stripped mountains, he is the great chronicler of eco atrocities – and his roots lie in Ukraine. The photographer talks about Putin, trauma and what will survive

Read the article here.

Edward Burtynsky shares Sony World Photography Award honour with Ukraine’s photographers

By Kate Taylor
The Globe and Mail

“Photography embodies truth in a way that transcends language, culture, borders, and time. In the face of fake news and Putin’s vicious disinformation campaign, Ukrainian photographers are using this moment to show the world the truth.

“Their dedication to their art, even as their towns are surrounded by invading Russian forces bringing terror to their doorsteps, is a bravery that humbles me.

“Photography is about light conquering darkness. And as we speak, Ukrainian photographers are conquering an unimaginable form of darkness. I can think of no more outstanding contribution to photography than that.”

Read the article here.

Front Row
BBC Radio 4

After being announced as the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award at the Sony World Photography Awards 2022, the Canadian photographer and artist Edward Burtynsky talks to Tom about his 40-year career as a landscape photographer.

Listen to the episode here.

Photographer Edward Burtynsky on Creating Immersive Experiences and How to Find Your Aesthetic Voice in a World Flooded with Images

By Kate Brown
Artnet

Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky is sort of like a sleuth: He produces evidence of humans’ impact on the planet. Gaining access to hard-to-reach places in our world—tar sands, nickel mines, sawmills, or shipyards—Burtynsky culls poignant imagery to show us how we have transformed the earth around us at a vast and debilitating scale. There is a cost to modern life and its massive, if usually just out of view.

At a time when the climate is finally starting to rear from the effects of industry, his work has become even more urgent. It is no great surprise then the artist, who is based in Toronto, was recently awarded this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Photography by the World Photography Organization. His work will be on view at the 2022 Sony World Photography Awards exhibition at Somerset House in London beginning April 15, 2022.

Read the full article here.

Edward Burtynsky, Who Captures Reality of Environmental Disaster, Recognized for “Outstanding Contribution to Photography”

By Sarah Rose Sharp
Hyperallergic

Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky received high honors today, November 24, recognized for his “Outstanding Contribution to Photography” by the World Photography Organisation’s 2022 Sony World Photography Awards. Burtynsky’s work captures wide-angle views of industrial processes and waste and their interactions with natural ecosystems. Over decades, his work has examined the complex process of resource extraction, use, and disposal, revealing its impact in vivid detail. His images combine technical skill with sweeping scale and expert composition, using aesthetic wonder to twist the knife of abject environmental damage.