CONTEMPLATING GLACIERS - ART EXHIBIT

This artwork consists of drone footage projected onto a gallery wall, offering an immersive visual experience. The footage was captured in June 2024 by David Copithorne, under the direction of Jan Kabatoff, and presents unique perspectives of the Athabasca Glacier. This installation leverages the scale and clarity of digital projection to transport viewers into the icy landscape, allowing them to engage with the glacier's expanse in a way that traditional mediums like photography or painting cannot achieve.

The footage is significant not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its documentary value. It captures views of the Athabasca Glacier from angles and heights that are rarely accessible to the public. These aerial perspectives reveal the intricate details of the glacier’s surface, such as the crevasses, meltwater streams, and the overall texture of the ice, which are often hidden in typical ground-level observations.

The decision to use a drone for this footage is particularly impactful, as it allows for a dynamic interaction with the glacier’s topography. The camera glides above the ice, tracing its contours and capturing the sheer scale of this natural phenomenon. By doing so, the artwork not only provides a visual feast but also invites viewers to contemplate the physical and temporal processes at work within the glacier. The footage highlights the glacier's fragility, serving as a reminder of the rapid changes occurring due to climate change.

The projected footage immerses viewers in an experience that is both awe-inspiring and introspective. The large-scale projection in the gallery space transforms the footage from mere documentation into a sensory experience, enabling viewers to feel as though they are soaring above the glacier themselves. This mode of presentation encourages viewers to reflect on the grandeur of natural landscapes and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

By capturing these rarely seen views, the artwork challenges the audience to rethink their relationship with nature. It provokes questions about humanity’s impact on the environment and the ways in which we perceive and value natural wonders. The footage also serves as a time capsule, preserving the current state of the glacier for future generations, and perhaps documenting a landscape that may look very different in the years to come due to the ongoing effects of climate change.

A notable aspect of this work is that it represents the first instance where Parks Canada granted a permit to fly a drone above the Athabasca Glacier. This unprecedented access adds a layer of exclusivity and authority to the footage. It also underscores the ethical considerations involved in capturing such footage. While drone use in Parks Canada locations is generally prohibited to protect wildlife and the environment, this permitted project reflects a careful negotiation between artistic exploration and environmental stewardship.

The fact that this project received official permission sets it apart from unauthorized drone footage, which often disregards these considerations. It places the artwork in a responsible and ethically sound context, aligning it with broader conservation goals. This aspect of the project could serve as a starting point for discussions on the role of art in environmental activism and the responsibilities of artists when working in protected areas.

"Drone flying is a popular hobby for many people and may also be used for commercial purposes. However, drones can pose risks to visitors, disturb wildlife and lead to negative experiences for other visitors to Jasper National Park. For these reasons, Parks Canada strictly limits the use of drones.

Anyone caught operating a drone within park boundaries and without an approved permit may result in law enforcement action and a fine of up to $25,000." - Parks Canada

Read more here about drone use in Parks Canada locations

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