Know any artists who focus on climate change? Is climate change what you think of when you see art? Are artists something you think about when hearing about climate change? Not really. But it’s one of the most powerful forms of emotional activism. Through art, whether it's paintings, writing, music, or even pottery, there is a message, a story, or a lesson of the attentive observations of nature. “‘When you draw something, you are forced to examine and re-examine it very closely,’ said James Prosek.”
What does art do for climate change?
Art evokes emotions and starts conversations so when an artist depicts climate change, people create an emotional connection. Art increases awareness about issues people may not have thought or heard about. Elise Gout, a writer for Columbia Climate School, writes, “The psychology behind public engagement suggests that the visual narratives provided through art help people process, internalize, and respond to information more effectively than facts alone. By molding their experiences into an opportunity for emotional connection, artists form a keystone between the viewer and the changing climate.”
It’s hard to imagine what will happen in thirty years, fifty years, eighty years. Can you picture how humanity will handle a time where there are no more fish due to the rising ocean temperatures? Can you imagine humanity moving to Antarctica due to the rising temperatures near the equator? Can you imagine water levels shrinking the land we have accessible?
Thijs Bierstecker had a TED talk about how art can help fight climate change. He says that not only do we have a climate issue, but we also have an imagination issue. Because we can’t picture what will happen if this continues, it doesn’t become a priority. The fear of knowing what the world will be in thirty to eighty years will push people to make changes and make a difference. Art will allow people to see and understand what is being done to the environment and give them the opportunity to do something differently.
Examples
Songs:
All Good Girls go to Hell - Billie Eilish
“Hills burn in california, my turn to ignore ya”
“And once the water starts to rise, and heaven’s out of sight”
“Look at you needing me, you know I’m not your friend without some greenery”
Earth - Micheal Jackson
“Did you ever stop to notice, the crying Earth, this weeping shore”
“What have we done to the world, look what we’ve done”
“What about the seas…What about the nature’s worth…where did we go wrong”
Paintings:
Melting Ice - Parlina
Returning Life - Tapas Das
Waters Edge - Dominic Virtosu
Photo Art:
The South Pasture - Terry Evans
Bur Oak with Roots - Terry Evans
7000 Marks - Sara Black and Amber Ginsburg
Street Art:
Global warming is increasing and there’s more and more people acknowledging its existence. “The role of art in the global climate change movement is to deepen personal engagement by providing new platforms for reflection and discourse (Amanda Gorsegner, 2016).”
Hopefully after reading this blog, you will feel inspired to change at least one poor habit that contributes to climate change. Whether that be walking more often to work, recycling, cleaning the beach, or even planting a tree.
This is a site where you can buy climate art, Climate Canvas.
This is a cool source of information on climate change. I'm sure it helps the information appeal to more people. There are a surprisingly large amount of songs that mention it, good find!
ReplyDeleteI love this concept of art as a form of climate activism! Before coming to college I had a very insular view of what could actually be done to tackle the climate crisis but I think that this is a great example of how anyone can take part in climate activism by utilizing their unique skills and background, and there are many different ways to connect with people about nature and the environment.
ReplyDeleteArt plays a crucial role in addressing climate change by evoking emotions and sparking conversations, helping people connect with the issue on a deeper level. Through visual narratives and creative expressions, artists can effectively communicate the urgency of climate change, encouraging individuals to envision the future and inspire action for a more sustainable world.
ReplyDeleteArt is a great way to express yourselves. I think that this is really cool and a good reminder of that a lot of people's art and music can help reach the message to others that climate change is a problem in a way that isn't so in the news.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to see all the ways art can let people express themselves and show others their thoughts. The artist showing how climate change is real and what is going on in the world right now and in the future is an amazing thing.
ReplyDeleteArt is such an incredible way to move people's emotions. It can share such raw emotions that anyone can feel with just one look. I think those that can capture the desperation, the anger, the sadness, and maybe even some hope are truly gifted. You listed quite a lot of examples, some I have never heard of so thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love when people highlight ways to be inspired to take action. It is easy to be a climate doomer, but with art it's much easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We can be motivated to save our fellow humans and animals simply because we morally should. This art did make me feel more calm, especially as the news rampages on about the civil liberties people are losing every day, and the lack of accountability in climate change efforts.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing art used as a platform for spreading awareness and support for climate change. Especially since we know how moving and genuine art makes people feel and get inspired. This is also a healthy way to cope with feelings and emotions and process all the news and science behind climate change. I love seeing new art work and pieces on climate change because they sem to tell a story and stress the importance of change in buying fossil fuels.
ReplyDeleteI honestly never realized or picked up on the climate theme in Billie Ellish's music. I've heard that song, "All Good Girls Go to Hell" so many times and I never picked up on the subtle messaging.
ReplyDeleteWow, it was interesting to look at all these pieces of artwork connected to climate change especially the songs. I have listened to Billies 'All good girls go to hell' quite a few times in the past, but had never made the connection between the lyrics and climate change.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about an examination process when I think about art, but I do now! It’s amazing that there are underwater museums for the whole planet to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of this. Art can be representative of so many things people are passionate about and, like you said, can provoke emotions. This can honestly be a tactic to help non-believers understand what the affects of climate change really are.
ReplyDeleteI love the large variety of artwork that invokes a deep emotional need for change. It just shows how many access points there are through art to harness the pathos of persuasion.
ReplyDeleteI think the many forms of art are an amazing way to start the conversation of climate change for those who may not be as aware. Art forms are very versatile and can touch on the emotions of many different people and I hope it is something that we can see more often. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. It is great to see so many different examples of art and how people are expressing themselves and their beliefs in a creative way. Art makes people look and listen, with this they can spread awareness that our planet needs help.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see the parallels in the art made in various times throughout history. It provides what is probably the best way to view not just the actions of individuals, but the feelings and sentiments behind the times. Personally, I find 7000 Marks striking in it's message.
ReplyDeleteI share the enthusiasm of the other commenters. I so appreciate the links to interesting climate art!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of art as a way to understand climate change, but it really makes sense feelings can move people in ways facts alone can’t. This gave me a whole new perspective.
ReplyDeleteThe examples you presented, ranging from paintings to music to street art, serve as a powerful reminder of how creativity can inspire change and link people to the realities of climate change.
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