Noted Photographer to Discuss Censorship of Arctic Refuge Work

“This wild, free valley and the barren ground beyond is but a fragment of one of the last pristine regions left on earth, entirely unscarred by roads or signs, indifferent to mankind, utterly silent.”--Peter Matthiessen

“The refuge is so remote and untamed that many peaks, valleys, and lakes are still without names and shall remain that way. Marsh fleabane cluster along the lakeshore, while Nichenthraw Mountain and spruce trees are reflected on the calm water of early morning.” --Subhankar Banerjee

Editor's Note: Subhankar Banerjee's website, which includes 20 examples of his astonishing photos of astonishing vistas in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, is well worth a visit. It also has a wealth of resources about the ANWR and what we can do to help save it from oil drilling. If these photos don't convince us to do all we can to save ANWR, I don't know what will.

From UNM Today:
Photographer Subhankar Banerjee will visit the University of New Mexico School of Law to discuss his artwork and its place in the artic refuge oil drilling controversy. His presentation "World Without Borders" is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 2 - 4 PM in Room 2404.

Banerjee quit his engineering job in 2001, cashed in his 401k and headed for the Alaskan artic where he spent nearly two years photographing under harsh conditions. The result of this sojourn is his book, “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land.” Former President Jimmy Carter wrote the introduction.

Banerjee's work became the object of censorship when linked to the battle over drilling for oil in the artic. In September, Banerjee spoke at a rally in Washington D.C. The Lannan Foundation awarded Banerjee its first Cultural Freedom Fellowship for his work to increase public awareness about issues that threaten the health and well being of the planet.

Banerjee's presentation at UNM Law School is free and open to the public. For more information on his work, visit www.wwbphoto.com. For information on the presentation, contact Sherri Burr, 277-5650.