“People often overlook how fast technology develops. From buildings to artificial intelligence, technology evolves at the expense of nature. My painting is concerned with how artists, or people in general, can change the way we see the world. Images can easily deceive us in thinking that the world is still okay. In my artwork, I illustrate the natural world transforming into the city—something more metal and artificial—by juxtaposing an image of mountain scenery over that of the CN Tower. I was inspired by Edward Burtynsky’s photographs showing the relationships between nature and human-built things. I wanted to express this relationship in my painting and comment on how one can be completely unaware of the world hurting because of our actions.”

–Edward Su (Grade 10, Unionville High School, Markham, Ontario)

Award-winning contemporary photographer Edward Burtynsky (b.1955) is internationally revered for his compelling images that reveal the significant impact human activity has had on the Earth.