EDWARD BURTYNSKY "RICE TERRACES #2, WESTERN YUNNAN PROVINCE" 2012

Edward Burtynsky (b. 1955) is one of Canada's most successful photographers. Internationally renowned for his large-scale photographs documenting the ramifications of industry on the environment, Burtynsky's work often presents a tension between wonder and desecration, reminding us of our simultaneous dependence and lack of concern for the planet. Burtynsky began an extended project in 2008 that focuses on the use of water as a resource, and the conflicts and complications embedded in humanity's relationship to it. This photograph belongs to that series, conveying the underlying themes that the artist investigates in his understanding of water. Agriculture represents the largest human activity upon the planet -- with seventy percent of fresh water dedicated to the practice. Aquaculture is the main focus here, where water is shaped to grow and harvest water-based crops. Unlike many of Burtynsky's other photographs which show devastation or destruction to the earth, this work is an appreciation of an enduring and environmentally thoughtful system. This image shows the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. Spanning 1,000,000 acres and four countries, the terraces have been maintained by the Hani people for over 1200 years, and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rice cultivation is a pivotal element of the Hani culture, theology, calendar, and political system. The system's distinct vertical structure has contributed to its resilience, along with an intricate system of canals, irrigation channels, artificial aquifers, and ditches to divert water. The photograph is particularly striking in that it falls almost completely into abstraction. From an aerial perspective, the vertically-oriented rice terraces seem to flatten and merge, creating a fluid waved field of pattern, punctuated by reflective pools, trees, houses, and minuscule figures. Beautifully captivating, "Rice Terraces #2" is an excellent and noteworthy photograph that would be an impressive addition to a new or existing collection. This photograph is readily attributed to Burtynsky, and has been used in numerous articles about the artist. Notably, it is being used as the representational image of the 2026 ROM Immortal Gala: Forces of Nature, honouring Edward Burtynsky and John Bianchini for their transformative contributions to environmental stewardship and innovation. Burtynsky's work is represented in over 50 museum collections around the world ranging from The National Gallery of Canada, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, to Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and Bibliothèque National, Paris. Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery. "Rice Terraces, Western Yunnan Province, China, 2012" 60 Megapixel Digital Capture; Digital Chromogenic Colour Print on Kodak Endura Premier Paper; Printed 2013 Signed and stamped on archival label affixed to mount, verso Edition: 3/9 39"H 52"W (work) 41"H 54"W (framed) Very good condition