The Role of Art in Addressing Climate Change

Art has long tackled major issues, from civil rights to gender equality. Today, it increasingly sounds the alarm on the climate emergency. This encompasses topics such as the implications of oil-industry sponsorship of cultural organizations and individual artists fueling discussions on green issues.

Artists Making a Difference

Among the impactful artists is former YBA Gavin Turk, whose fascination with waste has gained new urgency; notably, he once created cufflinks from discarded chewing gum. In a similar vein, Cape Town-based photographer Thirza Schaap explores plastic pollution through her stunning yet sobering Plastic Ocean compositions, which feature rubbish collected from beaches. Moreover, in London, the Serpentine Galleries recently became the first contemporary art institution to appoint an ecology curator. As part of the multi-platform Back to Earth initiative launched in April 2020, the gallery has invited thinkers to respond to the ongoing climate crisis.

Global Collaborations

Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, known for his work Ice Watch, which brought melting icebergs from Greenland to Paris and Copenhagen, is among the participants addressing this critical issue. His series Earth Perspectives showcases a reimagined view of our planet, focusing on significant sites, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Ganges River. If you gaze at the dot in his works and then look away at a blank surface, it can evoke a new worldview.

A Collective Effort

Other contributing figures include architect David Adjaye, musician Brian Eno, activist Jane Fonda, and environmental-art pioneer Agnes Denes. The Serpentine has compiled an accompanying resource that serves as a creative guide, covering diverse topics from Es Devlin’s exploration of the similarities between trees and lungs to Marina Abramović’s Spirit Cooking, envisioning what a sustainable future might resemble.

Conclusion

Through these diverse artistic endeavors, the conversation surrounding climate change is expanded, evidenced by the numerous artists and thinkers involved. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the powerful role of art in promoting environmental awareness and inspiring action for a sustainable future.