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| Yann
leans out of a helicopter to capture an image |
The
outdoor exhibition of 150 giant photographic works, entitled Earth
from the Air, charts the photographer's airborne adventures around
the globe.
The
pictures depict everything from human settlements to breathtaking
geographical landscapes such as deserts and volcanoes, all taken
from a helicopter.
 See
images from the exhibition
Environmental
message
 |
| Spectator
in Victoria Square |
However,
the message Arthus-Bertrand is trying to convey is more than one
of visual wonderment. It's a startling reminder of the devastating
effect we have on the planet.
Dotted
around the exhibition area are banners showing some startling statistics,
offering some food for thought for visitors, such as:
40 per cent of the world's population does not have electricity.
20
per cent of the world population does not have access to safe drinking
water.
One in five adults is unable to either read or write; 98 per cent
of them are in developing countries and 66 per cent of them are
women.
 |
| Spectators
enjoying Yann's aerial photography |
The amount of oil consumed in six weeks, half of which is used for
transport, would have lasted a whole year in 1950.
Half of humanity lives on less than £1.50 per day.
Last century, the planet population was multiplied by three; world
water consumption was multiplied by six.
In
France, Jan Arthus-Bertrand's work has already earned him the Legion
D'Honneur for his environmental work. His ambition was to create
a record of the world's environments for the benefit of future generations.
Pictures
for the blind
 |
| Tactile
pictures |
The
exhibition also includes a series of tactile pictures for blind
and partially-sighted visitors with accompanying Braille text.
But
the most remarkable thing about the Earth from the Air exhibition
is that it reaches people who would never normally go to a gallery.
While
workmen were still erecting the huge images on the eve of the show's
launch, small crowds of people gathered, distracted on their journey
home from work.
Time
trial
Organisers
had just 48-hours to set up the exhibition which transformed Chamberlain
Square, Victoria Square and Centenary Walk into a huge outdoor gallery.
 |
France,
New Caledonia.
Mangrove swamp of Coeur de Voh (© Yann Arthus-Bertrand/Impact
Photos) |
Huge
screens set up in the city centre for fans of Euro 2004 meant that
exhibition workers had to wait until Sunday's final had ended before
they could begin setting up.
The
show, which is launching its national tour in Birmingham, also enjoyed
huge success in London where it was first exhibited outside the
Natural History Museum for 22 months.
Exhibition
Director Chris Bridge said: "We are delighted to be able to
launch our national tour in Birmingham. The photos appeal to all
ages and tell a story about our world, the environment and our impact
on it."
The
free exhibition is open 24-hours until the autumn. A visitors' centre
including a free video theatre and shop is open from 10.00-22.00
daily.
Take
a look at some of Yann's photography and see the exhibition in Birmingham
Have
your say
What
do you think of the exhibition? Click the link below to share your
views.
R
We came across this completely by accident, we enjoyed taking in the images and it was a lovely part of an already perfect day. Absolutely stunning images that really stick in the mind.
Mark, Leeds
i popped to birmingham for the day and had the greatest time ever! this display was a pleasant suprise and made the day even more memorable. a shock and some fantastic photos.
them flamingos!
andrew t
Came across it last night, my journey was suddenly curtailed, loved images and the facts which resonated in so may ways.
Didn't do the work justice will take my sons there to see it again, loved the way it was so accessible and no grafitti.
Thank you Birds Eye and Birmingham
Dr I A Glen
Add your comment here
Although I persisted in trying to make contact with a view to this exhibition coming to the West of Scotland eg Glasgow in 2004 when the city was host to the 30th International Geographic Congress, this met with no response. The Natural History Museum was unhelpful.
Now I find that the exhibition has been to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh in September. News of this did not reach Glasgow! When are you going to bring the show to this city? It is the centre of a conurbation of 2 million people.
Dawn McCracken
What a fantastic exhibition! I have been late for sooooo many meetings. Its lovely to have it right there in open view. I even (unusually) brought my teenage daughter into town just to look at it earlier in the year.
Inspired use of public space
:¬)
Dawn
elaine
Thank you Birmingham for the chance to see this wonderful exhibition. We came upon it by chance having made a trip into the city while we were attending a bonfire boating rally at the engine arm near Smethwick. Every picture was amazing - such unusual images.
annie
Fantastic. Each image totally captivating in its own way. As a brummie i would like to see more exhibitions like this rather than travelling to London. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Lilian
Stopped in my tracks and completely overwhelmed. A MUST for everyone to see and experience.
john harris
this is a tremendous and inspirential awe inspiring exhibition.Well worth a visit and best of all it was accessable ad free of charge. You must see it.
Tim
I came across the exhibition when I was in a hurry to get to a meeting. Thought I'd give it ten minutes. An hour later managed to drag myself away, reluctantly. There is not one picture that isn't magnificent in its own way. The colours and texture are breathtaking.
Erica
I came into Brum to look at the pictures last Saturday with my husband. It was great to see so many people stroll through the squares to view the pictures. Strangers stopped to speak to each other to comment on them. Hats off to Birmingham for bringing this exhibition here during the summer. It worked well separating them so you didn't have picture overload.
Andrina Thomas
I think the pictures are amazing, some of them leave you standing with your jaw to the floor. I know mine was, such beauty.
Jason
Saw this exhibition in London, where it was located in one place all together near Imperial College. It is disappointing to see how all the elements are separated around such a large area, it was far better when kept together.
paul brigden
i take my daughter of 11 years old up to town every week and we always drop into the exhibition, we spent loads of time to look around the display and think that it was an absolutely fantastic experience.
thankyou for the pleasure.
Ivan Yeung
A marvelous exhibition. Any images you see on web is no match for the real photos being exhibited. I've seen them in London, but still I can't tell how delighted I am to know that they've come to Birmingham, and immediately send messages to all my friends about the good news, so good it is. No residents of Birmingham should miss it. A real pity they are not going to stay for two years.
Omar
What a fantastic exhibition! Its great to see so many people stop in their tracks and take time out from their busy days.
Lesley
Saw this in London and was bowled over - so pleased it's now in Birmingham so we can see it again and again.
Pam A
We'd heard about this exhibition and I looked for information about it on the web, but actually seeing it last night was breathtaking. We intended to just have a quick look before going home after the equally spectacular Solihull Schools Concert at Symphony Hall, but a "quick look" was just not possible, we were absolutely entranced.
Thank you Birmingham, for giving us this wonderful opportunity! We will definitely go to see it again!
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