There’s an immersive art show happening in Toronto showcasing the impact of climate change

A few days ago, Yonge-Dundas Square, and the 22 screens surrounding it, were taken over by Edward Burtynsky’s new multimedia art piece, In the Wake of Progress, as part of the Luminato Festival. But ICYMI, don’t worry, the project has been transformed into an epic immersive art walk-through experience and is now on at the Canadian Opera Company Theatre from June 25 to July 17.

In the Wake of Progress is now a four-part experience which consists of a massive immersive art experience, a gallery of Edward’s work, two augmented reality (AR) pieces and a space aptly named, the Change Station, which will help visitors discover the answer to, ‘what can I do?’- turning their attention to action simply by teaming up with the artist’s partner organizations.

Surrounded by 30-foot screens, audiences will be taken on a journey through images and films from throughout Burtynsky’s 40 year career bearing witness to the stark impacts of human industry on the planet, choreographed to a powerful original score composed by Phil Strong. 

Guests will then be invited into a specially curated gallery of Burtynsky photographs and high-resolution murals, including some new and never-before-seen work as well as two unique augmented reality (AR) experiences that explore the impacts and legacy of the internal combustion engine. 

An eponymous 200-page book will also be on sale during the run with a portion of proceeds going to partner organizations.  It is a commemoration of the project containing personal reflections by the artist about his ethos and creative process. There are also quotes and extracts of texts by collaborators, curators, art historians, interviewers and colleagues included in the book. Make sure to grab your copy.

Hopefully, you’ll catch this powerful event before it leaves Canada to travel the world! 

In the Wake of Progress

Where: Canadian Opera Company Theatre

When: June 25 – July 17, 2022