Watermark

I've been a fan of Edward Burtynsky's photography for many years and try to take the opportunity to see his work in its gallery presentation whenever possible. While his work is beautiful in many formats, the incredible detail of his images demands that they be seen in the large-scale presentation of a gallery.

"Watermark" is his second collaboration with Jennifer Baichwal (the first was "Manufactured Landscapes", which was also shown at TIFF a few years ago). Both share an editorial focus of the impact of man on the natural environment, but "Watermark" simultaneously tightens the focus and expands the frame of the image to look at our relationship with water.

It's a film that will provide the greatest rewards by being seen on the largest, sharpest screen possible. I saw it this morning from the centre of one of the front rows. In that position, the images wrap around and over you. The scale, particularly in the sequences shot during the construction of one of the mega-dams in China is immense. I can't recall a scene from any Hollywood blockbuster that has communicated size like these images.

Burtynsky describes his work as a "lament" for the environment. As with much of his best work, they have successfully married images of great beauty with despair for what was been (or may be) lost.

Highly recommended.

Following the screening, I had a chance to wander a bit to reflect on the film. Walking up through Grange Park, I came up to the south side of the AGO, Gehry's addition shining blue in the mid-day sun, an image of solidified sky (or water).