Museum of Science, Boston

Press Release [Return to listing page]

April 17, 2009

BOSTON, MA—As part of its ongoing effort to show how emerging science and technology shape our lives, culture, and world, the Museum of Science presents Manufactured Landscapes: Photographic Works of Edward Burtynsky, April 18 - September 7, 2009.

Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky is known internationally for his images of landscapes altered by industry. Through masterful technique and often dizzying compositions, the artist's magnificent color images are thought-provoking studies of how human activities—mining, quarrying, manufacturing, shipping, oil production—transform the natural world. The beauty of Burtynsky's images contrasts with the compromised environments they depict. "Our dependence on nature to provide the materials for our consumption and our concern for the health of our planet set us into an uneasy contradiction," says Burtynsky.

Manufactured Landscapes is featured in a new exhibit space located in the Museum's Blue Wing, Level 2. According to David Rabkin, Farinon Director for Current Science and Technology, "We are thrilled to show Edward Burtynsky's stunning photographs in the Museum's new gallery space. What"s so exciting is the power of art to shift perspectives and inspire reflection. After seeing these images, you will never see our relationship to the planet in the same way."

Manufactured Landscapes presents 12 large prints (approximately 50" x 60" each):

1. Nanpu Bridge Interchange

Shanghai, China, 2004

From the series China

2. Oxford Tire Pile No. 1

Westley, California 1999

From the series Urban Mines

3. Oil Fields No. 13

Taft, California, 2002

From the series Oil

4. Bao Steel No. 2

Shanghai, China, 2005

From the series China

5. Vermont Marble Company No. 5

Abandoned granite Quarry, Rochester, Vermont, 1991

From the series Quarries

6. Rock of Ages No. 19

Granite Section, Rock of Quarry

Barre, Vermont, 1991

7. Kennecott Copper Mine No. 22

Bingham Valley, Utah, 1983

From the series Breaking Ground

8. Silver Lake Operations No. 1

Lake Lefroy, Western Australia, 2007

From the series Australia

9. Shipbreaking No. 10

Chittagong, Bangladesh, 2000

From the series Ships

10.Nickel Tailings No. 34

Sudbury, Ontario, 1996

From the series Breaking Ground

11.Three Gorges Dam Project, Whan Zhou No. 2

Yangtze River, China, 2002

From the series Three Gorges Dam

12.Three Gorges Dam Project, Feng Jie No. 5

Yangtze River, China, 2002

From the series Three Gorges Dam

Manufactured Landscapes is included with regular Exhibit Halls Admission: $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (60+), and $16 for children (3-11). For more information, the public can call 617/723-2500, (TTY) 617/589-0417, or visit mos.org.

Special Hours for School Vacation Week, April 18 -April 25, 2009

Saturday, April 18 - Saturday, April 25, 9:00 am -7:00 pm

Friday as usual, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Regular Hours

Saturday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

About The Museum of Science, Boston

One of the world's largest science centers, the Museum of Science takes a hands-on approach to science, attracting approximately 1.5 million visitors a year through its vibrant programs and over 700 interactive exhibits. Highlights include the Thomson Theater of Electricity, home of the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator; the Charles Hayden Planetarium; the Mugar Omni Theater, a 180-degree IMAX® domed theatre; and the Gordon Current Science & Technology Center (GCS&T), which offers breaking news stories to the public with interpretation by Museum staff. In 2004, the Museum launched the National Center for Technological Literacy® (NCTL)®—helping facilitate a nationwide expansion of technology literacy by working with regional schools, offering educational products and programs for pre-K-12 students and teachers, creating curricula, and supporting an online resource center. For more information, visit mos.org.