Edward Burtynsky was born in St. Catharines and is based in Toronto. Today, Burtynsky is regarded as one of the world’s most accomplished contemporary photographers. His photographs are included in the collections of over sixty major museums around the world. The most notable theme in his works is an exploration of the impact of human industry on the natural landscape, which he showcases with an aerial viewpoint.

In this triptych, the rows of olive groves and trees in the foreground are emblematic of a pastoral countryside. This is in subtle contrast to the chiseled blocks and heaps of rubble in the background reminding us of the consequences of using the earth for materials. Similarly the landscaped trees in the foreground are as regimented as the background is manufactured, both by human intervention.