The world from above: How aerial photography captures climate change and inspires hope
A new exhibition at the Eden Project in Cornwall, England, is showcasing the power of aerial photography in capturing the beauty and fragility of our planet. The show, titled 'Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet', brings together photography, film and sculpture within four themed zones: Extinction, Climate, Community and Renewal. But what makes this exhibition truly unique is the perspective from which these artworks are viewed. By taking to the skies, photographers are able to offer a fresh and powerful insight into the state of our world, one that can be both awe-inspiring and deeply poignant.
One of the key takeaways from this exhibition is the importance of seeing things from a wider perspective. By stepping back, up and outwards from the detail, photographers are able to reveal larger patterns and deeper truths. This is particularly evident in the work of Daniel Beltrá, whose shot of Iceland's Høvíta River is a stunning example of this approach. From above, the river's blues and golds, formed by a mixture of glacial meltwater and sediment, marble together in a way that resembles an abstract painting. It's a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of our natural world.
Another key insight from this exhibition is the role of aerial photography in providing a sense of scale and perspective. By removing the human element from the equation, photographers are able to emphasize the vulnerability of our planet and the forces that threaten it. This is particularly evident in the work of Paul Nicklen, whose drone shot of a polar bear crossing sea ice strips away everything you'd see from ground-level: eye contact, a sense of human-animal scale, and a sentimental feeling towards the subject. What's left is a clean, almost geometrical composition, with the bear just a single white shape next to a crack in the ice. It's a poignant reminder of the fragility of our planet and the need for urgent action.
The use of infrared by Richard Mosse is another inspired decision that swaps objectivity for a clear editorial line in the visual itself. His shot of log barges from above, for example, renders the vegetation red and water black, emphasizing the detachment of the scene and the human impact on the environment. It's a powerful reminder of the need for a more sustainable future.
But what makes this exhibition truly fascinating is the way in which it combines aerial photography with a positive vision of the future. While many of these pictures are beautiful, this is not really about aesthetics, nor using drones just because they're fashionable. Instead, it's about pulling countless small details into a broader picture that reveals larger patterns and deeper truths. This is particularly evident in the spirit of the show, which is less about doom, gloom and wringing our hands in despair, and more about providing solutions and a positive vision of the future.
In my opinion, the key lesson for photographers here is clear. Whether you're shooting wildlife, landscapes or other natural phenomena, there's often an argument for stepping back, up and outwards from the detail, and seeing things from a wider perspective that can tell an altogether different story. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of context and perspective in our work, and the need to think beyond the familiar and explore new angles and interpretations.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way in which aerial photography can be used to convey the urgency of the climate crisis. By seeing our world from above, we are reminded of the fragility of our planet and the need for urgent action. But it's also a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of our natural world, and the potential for renewal and regeneration. This is a message that is particularly relevant in the face of the current ecological crisis, and one that I think is worth exploring further.
In conclusion, the 'Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet' exhibition is a powerful reminder of the importance of aerial photography in capturing the beauty and fragility of our planet. By seeing things from a wider perspective, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges we face and the potential for renewal and regeneration. It's a message that is particularly relevant in the face of the current ecological crisis, and one that I think is worth exploring further. So, if you're in Cornwall, England, be sure to check out this fascinating exhibition and experience the power of aerial photography for yourself.
