Global Warning
Antarctica 2020
Limited Edition Fine Art Print of 1 – This massive photographic masterpiece shows the often unseen effect of a changing climate. A gargantuan tabular ice formation floats aimlessly in the Drake Passage off the Antarctic Peninsula. Its white surface reflects bright light off the low cloud cover. The tonnage of freshwater locked up in this ice is unimaginable and is happening more frequently. Why so much for this print? On Wednesday, November 20th, the art piece “Comedian” sold at Sotheby’s Auction House in New York City for a staggering 6.2 million dollars. What is “Comedian”? It is a banana duck taped to a wall by artist Maurizio Cattelan. This may seem absurd to some people for a good reason. It is. But again, there are no rules in art. Art is the result of human creativity. Something that separates us from every other species in the known universe.
In response, I am releasing for the first time a massive 120-inch print of Global Warning for one dollar over the amount “Comedian” sold for at auction. The sale will make Global Warning the third most expensive photograph ever sold ($6,200,001) behind Man Ray’s, Le Violon d’Ingres ($12,400,000), and Edward Steichen, Flatiron ($11,800,000). I am offering to personally deliver, sign, certify, and install this massive one-of-a-kind Lumachrome high-definition fine art print framed by Roma Moulding to any address worldwide. With that, I will donate $1,000,000 from the sale to Sea Legacy ocean conservation organization so they can continue their important work protecting our oceans.
Global Warning is a testament to the Gigaton-size warnings Earth sends to humanity from the poles about the global climate crisis, but they are going collectively unheard. If it were instead dropped into New York City, London, or Beijing, it would undoubtedly draw more attention than aimlessly drifting out at sea. At an estimated 280-250 meters thick, only roughly 35 meters (100ft) extend above the water’s edge. The volume of fresh water and the weight of this ice is nearly unimaginable. Humanity needs a wake-up call. Let the collection of this piece show we are at least ready to have a conversation about the actual health of our planet. The moment is now. These are our warnings.
Copyright Derek Nielsen Photography
