Description

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Snap! Orlando presents ’THIS EMPTY WORLD’ by acclaimed photographer Nick Brandt. 

 

This Empty World addresses the escalating destruction of the natural world at the hands of humans, showing a world where, overwhelmed by runaway development, there is no longer space for animals to survive. The people in the photos are also often helplessly swept along by the relentless tide of ‘progress’. Each image is a combination of two moments in time shot from the exact same camera position, once with wild animals that enter frame, after which a set is built and a cast of people drawn from local communities. 

 

Exhibition on view February 5 through April 2, 2022.

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ABOUT NICK BRANDT

As an accomplished director and photographer of international acclaim, Nick Brandt (b. 1964, London) shifted his focus to wildlife photography fifteen years ago, dedicating himself to capturing the natural world that was disappearing before his eyes. After a life-changing journey to east Africa, Brandt lamented how he was overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty of the region, and then over several visits, the rapid decline across the Amboseli Ecosystem which runs along the border of Kenya and Tanzania. In response to this, Brandt co-founded the Big Life Foundation with Richard Bonham and Tom Hill.

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ABOUT BIG LIFE FOUNDATION

The Amboseli National Park served as a backdrop to the series of photographs in this exhibition. This region is also occupied by the Maasai people who inhabit this land without protected reserve status and are one of the few remaining communities that have advocated a peaceful coexistence with local wildlife. Although the region has experienced some economic growth due to the rise in horticulture, most citizens in the region remain in extreme poverty which led to the rise in illegal animal poaching. However, the work of conservationists and non-profit organizations such as the Big Life Foundation, intent on stopping this violent activity, have successfully lowered its prevalence. Established in 2010 by Nick Brandt, Richard Bonham and Tom Hill, the Big Life Foundation protects 1.6 million acres of wilderness in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem. Their approach is holistic in nature and modeled intently on community-based collaboration informed by their philosophy that “conservation supports the people and people support conservation.”

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As one of Central Florida's leading contemporary art organizations, our goal is to honor master photographers, discover and cultivate emerging talent, and promote the appreciation of photography and new media art in the region. Our gallery offers community-driven, diversified events and exhibitions throughout the year that showcase regional, national and international artists. Snap! Orlando is registered as a 501(c)(3) arts organization (Snap! Cultural Events, Inc). 

This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.