image/gif | Oct 13, 2024 at 6:03 AM | 11 edition(s)

In Edward Burtynsky's 2018 book Anthropocene, he used a satellite image of pivot irrigation in Saudi Arabia (p67). I saw the book in 2022 and having recently started using Google Earth as a source of imagery, wondered how easy it would be to find the exact place. As it turns out, somewhat easy if you are a stickler for detail. What is somewhat harder is framing the image that Burtynsky used. Google Earth's timeline mode allows one to almost precisely date the image that he used too - August 2017. Forensically, there is so much change in each image that this is the only capture that gives the same detail. This is a system that OSINT group Bellingcat use as part of their methodology in human rights and information verification investigations, for instance in proving that satellite images the Russian MoD put forward as evidence of Ukraine involvement in the downing of flight MH17 were faked. Satellite imagery allows this research if the material is available and reliable, although Google Earth imagery has sometimes been radically modified by its algorithmic processes. The process of replication of an artist's work allows you to step into their process, look at decision points and techniques and ultimately, because of different personal concerns, come out with something that uniquely deviates from any initial intention. ----- sources: Google Earth, Maxar ----- gif | 1400x1015px | 71 frames | 64 Meg ----- twitter.com/stusontier | instagram.com/stusontierphoto