Launching soon in Bryant Park is a month-long exhibition called Earth From Above by French environmentalist and photographer, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, that coincides with the global Earth Day celebration. 120 large-scale aerial photos will be displayed vertically along the park’s walkways in not-so-subtle reference to The Gates, the public art installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude that hit Manhattan in 2005. Arthus-Bertrand, a UN Environmental Program Goodwill Ambassador, aims to “illuminate” Earth’s beauty while inspiring audiences to care for the planet’s natural resources. Also, his colorful, abstract prints are really, really pretty.
Though the Bryant Park exhibition has been postponed from its original April 2 start date, the exhibition is intended for wide view, and Arthus-Bertrand envisions his images traveling throughout other US cities in 2010 to launch the first US Tour of Earth From Above. Since its Paris premiere in 2000, Earth From Above has been seen on every populated continent by more than 130 million visitors in over 120 cities including London, Tokyo, Berlin, Seoul, Beirut, Moscow, Sydney, Mexico City, Montreal, Stockholm, and Reykjavik. Each photo is accompanied by captions that link the image to the environmental and social issues at stake, “inviting the onlooker to consider sustainable development as the solution to the challenges brought into focus.” On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, this April 22, Arthus-Bertrand’s imagery presents a compelling argument for sustaining the planet as we know it. If you're in New York, check it out...it's free, day and night, rain or shine!
Earth From Above is coming to New York City from Picture Earth on Vimeo.
