“The Great Acceleration” show Edward Burtynsky at ICP, New York
Will Ross, July 26, 2025

Edward Burtynsky‘s “The Great Acceleration” marks his first solo institutional exhibition in New York City in over two decades. Curated by David Campany of Institute of Contemporary Photography, this retrospective features over 70 photographs, including never-before-seen works and three large-scale murals. The exhibition delves into Burtynsky’s extensive exploration of humanity’s impact on natural landscapes, revealing their fragility and enduring beauty.
Timed to coincide with Climate Week NYC in September 2025, the show highlights the “Great Acceleration”—a term for the rapid increase in human impact on the planet, evident in population growth, resource extraction, and emissions. For 40 years, Burtynsky has meticulously documented these changes globally, from North American mines to Chinese rice terraces. His work, characterized by precision and formal beauty, ultimately connects these diverse subjects, serving as both an urgent call to action and an appreciation of nature’s remaining sublimity. It reinforces ICP’s dedication to “concerned photography” that inspires new audiences.
Open until 28th September 2025.
Header Image: Edward Burtynsky, Salt River Pima and Maricopa Indian Community / Suburb, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, 2011