**Josef Koudelka, Azerbaijan, 1999** INKJET inkjet print mounted to aluminum 32-7/8” x 100-1/16” (83.5 cm x 254.2 cm), image 36-7/8” x 104-1/16” (93.7 cm x 264.3 cm), paper and mount (), frame signed and numbered in ink on label (TO BE) affixed verso on mount No. 90256.04 © Josef Koudelka/Magnum Photos

Written by Aundréa Verdi

Josef Koudelka's new exhibition at Pace in New York is a breathtaking synthesis of visual storytelling and environmental commentary. It offers an immersive experience that bridges the past with the present through a series of large-scale, intimate panoramas. Titled "Industries" and running through April 27th, this exhibition showcases Koudelka's engagement with landscapes that bear the scars of human intervention.

Viewers are confronted with the undeniable grandeur of Koudelka's panoramas. From 1987 to 2010, these images, each measuring about nine feet in width, are not just photographs; they are windows into the history of our relationship with the Earth, reflecting the tumultuous relationship between humanity and nature. The selection of locations— the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Azerbaijan, and Israel—underscores Koudelka's global perspective on the themes presented within this collection.

Moreover, Koudelka's technical artistry in capturing these landscapes amplifies the profound impact of his work. Each image confronts viewers with the fragility of the Earth. The meticulous attention to visual qualities, from composition to lighting, enhances the emotional resonance of the scenes depicted. Through his lens, Koudelka communicates the delicate balance between our influence and nature's resilience.

**Josef Koudelka, Germany, 2010** INKJET inkjet print mounted to aluminum 32-7/8” x 100-1/16” (83.5 cm x 254.2 cm), image 36-7/8” x 104-1/16” (93.7 cm x 264.3 cm), paper and mount (), frame signed and numbered in ink on label (TO BE) affixed verso on mount No. 90257.02 © Josef Koudelka/Magnum Photos

The exhibition is intelligently curated to facilitate a dialogue between the monumental and the thematic. It guides viewers to appreciate the breadth of Koudelka's vision while delving into the nuanced exploration of environmental and socio-political issues embedded within his work.

"Industries" can be viewed as a narrative journey. It guides the viewer through the piles of trash in landfills in France, the remnants of the German countryside, and the industrial, billowing smoke in the air in the United States. The work offers a meditation on the passage of time and is a silent witness to history. What makes these photographs special is Koudelka’s ability to capture these landscapes with a sensitivity that transcends mere documentation. His work is a testament to the strength of nature and an introspection on human intervention. This perspective is palpable throughout the exhibition.

**Josef Koudelka, Italy, 2004** INKJET inkjet print mounted to aluminum 32-7/8” x 100-1/16” (83.5 cm x 254.2 cm), image 36-7/8” x 104-1/16” (93.7 cm x 264.3 cm), paper and mount (), frame signed and numbered in ink on label (TO BE) affixed verso on mount No. 90259.03 © Josef Koudelka/Magnum Photos

Koudelka's exhibition is more than a display of photographic mastery. It urges us to consider the legacy of our industries and conflicts, not just on the environment but on the collective human psyche. With their breathtaking scale, the panoramas tell a story that is both grand, intimate, and universal.

In "Industries," we are challenged to look beyond these works' immediate aesthetic appeal and ponder on the deeper narratives they contain—narratives of survival, decay, beauty, and desolation. Viewers are confronted with landscapes transformed by industry, time, and conflict. Yet, amidst the desolation, there is a glimmer of resilience and beauty that speaks to the enduring spirit of nature. This exhibition is a poignant reminder of the power of art to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and inspire change, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of photography, history, and environmental conservation.