The natural order of things suggests the existence of inherent systems governing the universe. Yet human intervention is omnipresent. Humanity’s impulse to order, reorder and master the terrain has proven futile. Centuries of landscape portrayals—from ancient Greek Frescoes to 17th Century national pride to 19th Century Romanticism—have arrived at an era where depictions of the landscape as we can visualize and understand them in accordance with nature, may be the last.
In response, the majestic artworks of Edward Burtynsky, Sebastião Salgado and Susan Swartz inspire wonder, connection and appreciation to awaken a deeper sense of care for their shared beloved subject matter—our natural world.
Sebastião Salgado’s black-and-white images echo the grand vistas of early and celebrated American landscape photographer Ansel Adams (1902-1984) but differentiate in his definitive framing of epic moments, experiences and actions made so wonderfully human by his lens. Edward Burtynsky’s scenes reinforce our understanding of nature’s majesty while illuminating the effects of the human footprint imposed by misled ‘ideas of progress’. Shown at scale, these scenarios are made comprehensible within the photographic frame, at times appearing abstracted in their vastness inviting a detailed study of nature’s beauty pitted against present and impending devastation. Susan Swartz pays homage to the natural elements that fuel our capacities to exist—such as the water and foods that nourish us, and more. Creating textures and colors inspired by those found in nature, Swartz’s paintings titillate the senses, rehumanizes and makes visceral our relationship to the environment.
Edward Burtynsky, Sebastião Salgado and Susan Swartz share a longstanding and deep appreciation for preserving our natural world. Collectively, the beauty and visual majesty of their work shift the perspectives through which we see and encounter our surroundings—at once uplifting our curiosity of nature’s magnitude and furthering a comprehension of the impact of its continual decay.
Natural Order highlights the work of these three tenured artists whose career long practices show an unparalleled dedication to illustrating nature, conjuring visual curiosity, and ultimately inviting us to join them in caring for our world.
Significantly, 20% of all sales from the exhibition will go to efforts to preserve Great Salt Lake. A special thank you to the artists and to Sundaram Tagore Gallery.
Curated by Claire Breukel.