Photography Contest

“My work focuses on how nature is shaped by industry. I explore the big moments in human history, like the ages of stone, oil, and technology. To show these ideas, I photograph places like recycling yards, mines, and refineries—places we rarely see but depend on every day.

These images are symbols of our modern struggle. We want comfort and success, but we know it comes at a cost to the planet. They reveal the tension between beauty and destruction, desire and guilt. My goal is to reflect the contradictions of our time”.

— EDWARD BURTYNSKY

Edward Burtynsky’s groundbreaking photography captures the environmental impact of human industry, blending artistic excellence with social consciousness. His work, featured in major global institutions, inspires critical reflection on sustainability and humanity’s role in shaping the planet. 

The Gifted Arts Program at Laureate College will honour Burtynsky’s legacy through a high school photographic contest and exhibition, encouraging students to explore environmental themes while fostering critical thinking and artistic expression. To deepen this engagement, the awards night will open with a screening of Manufactured Landscapes, demonstrating the complementary power of film and photography in addressing global challenges. This initiative promotes innovation and thoughtful dialogue on urgent issues.