Polynesia

The expansive blues of the water, lush greens of the vegetation, and bright shades of a rich and active cultural life make David Zurick’s images in this collection a visual feast. His Polynesia photographs extol the marvels of a magnificent part of the globe and bring to light questions about the future of the islands. Tourism, resources, and politics all play key roles in oceanic society, as do the resiliency of traditional culture and the many generations of accumulated knowledge. The Polynesians face a daunting task: to look to the past for strength and wisdom but to the future for opportunities, and to do so without unduly sacrificing cultural heritages and natural settings. Zurick’s imagery speaks for the globe at this important time, cautioning us to stay informed, witness the boundless beauty of our planet, and respect change that is inevitable while guarding against that which is destructive and exploitative. 3