The National Gallery of Art presents an impactful exhibition, “Beneath the Surface: Mining and American Photography.” Showcasing both historical and modern photography, this exhibit spans an impressive 185 years. It highlights the intricate relationship between mining and its visual documentation throughout American history.
David Maisel’s 2007 aerial photo stands out within the collection. It captures a toxic waste pond resulting from gold mining on Nevada’s Carlin Trend. This striking photograph serves as a stark reminder of the environmental repercussions tied to resource extraction.
The exhibition’s timing is significant. It arrives when the reliance on natural resources is profound and highlights the environmental and societal costs of their extraction.
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