Increasingly and forebodingly, contemporary artists are turning their attention to the subject of climate change, in poignant and often confrontational ways. The Edge of the Earth: Climate Change in Photography and Video explores recent and historic work in the context of present-day environmental concerns, considering the future consequences of the age of the anthropocene, and humanity's harsh imprint on our planet.
The Edge of the Earth accompanies a major exhibition at the Ryerson Image Centre in Toronto, and includes works by pioneering and renowned artists such as Edward Burtynsky, Naoya Hatakeyama, Richard Misrach and Robert Rauschenberg; critical propositions on present situations by Chris Jordan, Gideon Mendel and Brandi Merolla; plus visionary works by Jean-Pierre Aube, Adrien Missika, Evariste Richer and Andreas Rutkauskas. Photojournalism from the RIC's Black Star Collection is also included, contextualising artistic reflections within half a century of historical reportage on the environment.
Produced as a large-format book with high-quality reproductions throughout, The Edge of the Earth includes critical texts by Benedicte Ramade and T.J. Demos, and an introduction by Paul Roth. This critical overview offers the insight of artists into the present climate crisis, with the motive of prompting reconsideration of our increasingly perilous relationship to our planet. Published in partnership with Ryerson Image Centre.
Editor and contributor of the book, Bénédicte Ramade is an art historian, critic, journalist and curator. He frequently explores environmental issues in relation to art. Writer of the foreword, Paul Roth is the Director of the Ryerson Image Centre. Contributor T.J. Demos is an art historian, critic, curator and writer who focuses on contemporary art and visual culture.