Edward Burtynsky Captures Striking Desert Contrast in New Image

Swift Summary

• Photographer Edward Burtynsky captured a striking aerial image showing a sharply divided landscape in the Salt River Valley, arizona. The division stems from human intervention rather than geophysical factors.
• Ancient context: The US Land Ordinance of 1785 shaped North America’s western territories into rectilinear plots, enabling large-scale agricultural and urban development reliant on aquifer water extraction.
• Indigenous Pima and maricopa peoples once farmed this land before its conversion into suburban areas driven by extensive water systems starting in the 2000s.
• Burtynsky’s work explores humanity’s impact on the planet through innovative photography, including drone-based and large-format imagery. His career began with documenting human activities affecting nature.
• His images are part of “The Great Acceleration” exhibition at New York City’s International Center of Photography until September 28.

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