This is one of the most curious Edward Burtynsky images we have handled to date. A striking photograph that reveals the photographer's process, but also demonstrates his willingness to experiment with the medium and production.
"Shipbreaking #2 Field Proof" comes from Burtynsky's Pentimento project, a series of distressed Polaroid negatives taken as test shots for "Shipbreaking" - and then printed in large format. Raw, unfiltered and in black and white, this powerful image frames the gritty truth of the landscape, while presenting a glimpse into the artist's layered creative process. It is also an exceptionally rare instance of the artist printing in black and white.
“The image under the image: pentimento. It’s a word drawn from the scholarship of painting, and it describes when the artist has painted over a section of canvas, yet traces of the earlier image persist, reemerging over time. The under-painting rises up as a ghost into the final work, revealing the process of how the painting came to be. Borrowing the word from that context, I apply it to photography, a medium redolent of time, memory and revelation.” — Edward Burtynsky.
"Shipbreaking" is arguably Burtynsky's most distinctive body of work. Mostly shot in Bangladesh, Burtynsky invited the viewer to an incomprehensible landscape on the other side of the horizon where ocean liners meet their end and are dissected, pillaged or abandoned to the elements. These works are intriguing, disturbing, and curiously beautiful.
Burtynsky's work can be found in the permanent collection of countless museums including the National Gallery of Canada, the Guggenheim, TATE Modern (London), and MoMA, to mention a few.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720.
Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
"Shipbreaking #2 Field Proof" from the Pentimento project
Bangladesh, 2001
Chromogenic print
From an edition of 12
40”H 32”W (image)
48.75"H 40.75"W (framed)
Framed with museum glass
Very good condition.
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.