Highly-Acclaimed Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition Returns to the Royal Ontario Museum
Published
Category
Press Release
TORONTO, November 30, 2017 — The world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will return to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) on Saturday, December 16, 2017. Featuring 100 original, awe-inspiring images, the exhibition showcases the world’s best nature photography – from fascinating animal behavior to breath-taking landscapes -- depicting the artistry and technical excellence of the craft. Representing its fifth consecutive presentation at the ROM, the exhibition reflects the Museum’s commitment to showcasing art, culture and nature through a contemporary lens and, by building on the Museum’s expertise, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our natural world.
This year’s Grand Title Winner, Memorial to a Species by Brent Stirton of South Africa, has received international recognition for exposing the tragic consequences of the illegal international trade in rhino horns, and will be the centerpiece of the ROM’s presentation. Also included in this year’s exhibition is The Hairy Raincoat by Alberta’s Josiah Launstein. Josiah is a return WPY finalist whose photo appears in the impressive11 to14-year-old category.
Unique to the ROM’s presentation of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017 is an original, interactive, monarch butterfly installation, created by ROM visitors. As the ROM is renowned for its monarch expertise dating back to pioneering entomologist Dr. Fred Urquart, the exhibition features an ever-growing butterfly swarm that explores the ROM's connection to the discovery of monarch butterfly migration patterns, and how photography is a form of citizen science that contributes to how we track species populations.
“A single image can make a difference. It can tell a story. It can engage and inspire. Wildlife photography provides scientific information that supports our natural world. And, it can be become part of a bigger picture and a bigger discussion,” says Mark Peck ROM Ornithology Technician.
To complement the exhibition, the Museum presents a slate of engaging and inspiring programs, including a keynote lecture delivered by wildlife photographer Joel Sartore on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Sartore will tell the story of his journey to create The National Geographic Photo Ark, a ground breaking project to build an invaluable photographic record of all animal species, to show the world what biodiversity looks like and encourage people to care about saving species while there’s still time.
The popular ROM Wildlife Photographer of the Year Contest returns for a third year. Participants can enter to win a trip for two to Ecuador, including an Amazon jungle homestay. To enter, share your own wildlife image on social media and tag #ROMWPYON. The contest runs from December 15, 2017 to February 3, 2018. Further details can be found at rom.on.ca/contest.
WPY at the ROM Ticket Information
This specially ticketed exhibition will be on display in the Museum’s Roloff Beny Gallery until Sunday, March 18, 2018. Tickets are available for $8.00 + the price of ROM General Admission. Student and Senior tickets are $5.00 surcharge, and tickets for children aged four to 14 years are $3.00 surcharge. ROM Members experience all ROM exhibitions free of charge. Starting December 16, enjoy three special exhibitions at the same time: VIKINGS: The Exhibition, presented by Raymond James Ltd., Christian Dior presented by Holt Renfrew, and Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Purchase tickets to VIKINGS plus either Dior or Wildlife Photographer, and get free admission to the third exhibition! Valid until March 18, 2018.
About WPY 2017
On loan from the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London, WPY is the most prestigious photography competition of its kind. Now in its 53rd year, this year’s images were chosen from among 50,000 entries from professional and amateur photographers around the world. Categories include Earth’s Environments, Urban Wildlife, Creative Visions, Under Water, Black and White, along with youth competitors from various age groups, representing 10 and Under and up to15-17 Years.
-30-
ROM MEDIA CONTACT
Wendy Vincent, Bilingual Publicist
416.586.5547
ROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Join the Conversation: @ROMtoronto
Like: ROM Facebook
Watch: ROM YouTube
