The Abstraction of Consumption

 The Exhibit

The environmental crisis we face is simultaneously overwhelming and mind-numbing.
This modular exhibit addresses the various environmental issues in a factual, non-political, non-didactic way, with art that is captivating and enlightening, while being solidly based on current science.

Concern is universal, but knowledge of the appropriate response is elusive. Information echo-chambers inform most citizens, and much of that information is erroneous.

Art reaches across political lines and touches viewers outside of the rhetoric.

Museums remain trusted institutions which offer entertainment, information, and comfort, while being places of refuge.
But it is important to remain current and contemporary.

This exhibit has numerous layers of art and information which allow the visitor to appreciate just the art, or dig deeper into the science behind it.

Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the Climate Crisis and Anthropocene, but also with a fresh perspective on these issues which affect all of us.

““The vivid color photographs of J Henry Fair lead an uneasy double life as potent records of environmental pollution and as ersatz evocations of abstract painting... information and form work together, to devastating effect.””
— Roberta Smith, The New York Times

  • • 20-30 compelling abstract environmental photographs, 20x30” (50x76 cm) or 30x40” (76x100)
    • Online Encyclopedia for each image, explaining its meaning with text, images, and maps
    • Exhibit uses about 2,000 square feet of space.
    • Caption cards in multiple languages are delivered as pdf, ready for printing.
    • Prints can be shipped in the USA from New York or from Berlin within Europe
    • They can also be custom produced by the exhibitor and thus designed to fit the venue.
    • The Online encyclopedia is accessible via QR code or live link.

  • J Henry Fair is a photographer and filmmaker, best known for his “chillingly beautiful” (Audubon Magazine) environmental aerial photos, and his current exhibit about Harriet Tubman and the Combahee Raid.

    Fair is the winner of the 2019 “Environmental Photographer of the Year” and the 2012 “Earth Through A Lens” Award. In 2020, Fair was featured as one of the 12 most influential environmental photographers in the book- “Human Nature’’ which received critical acclaim in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post.

    Among the 3 solo books Mr. Fair has published, he is best known for his “Industrial Scars” series, about which, Roberta Smith, chief art critic of The NY Times said “The vivid color photographs of J Henry Fair lead an uneasy double life as potent records of environmental pollution and as ersatz evocations of abstract painting…information and form work together, to devastating effect.”

    His work is widely published: from The New York Times, National Geographic, Vanity Fair, TIME, and New York, to Die Zeit, The Guardian, and Le Figaro, He has been featured on Television networks Arte, TTT, CBC News, and The Today Show,

    Fair has had numerous exhibits in galleries and museums worldwide.

    J Henry Fair was born in Charleston, SC, USA and holds a degree in journalism from Fordham University.

    He is currently based in New York City and Berlin.

  • Mass Moca, North Adams, Massachussettes
    Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany
    Neue Galerie, Kassel, Germany
    Umbria World Foto Fest, Foligno, Italy
    Xposure Photography Festival, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
    Gerald Peters Gallery, New York
    Cooper Union, New York
    Eduard Planting Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Judith Andreae Gallery, Bonn, Germany
    Grand Central Station, New York
    Nuernberg Kunst Haus, Nuernberg, Germany
    Flo Peters Gallery, Hamburg, Germany
    San Francisco Airport
    Jimmy Carter Library, Atlanta, Georgia
    Hood Museum of Art, Hanover, New Hampshire
    Museum of Natural History Oxford, Oxford, UK

J Henry Fair discusses his motivations

Download Exhibit PDF