The art choices in life, as an artist, art collector, or simply as an art lover, can significantly impact environmental sustainability through various avenues. For contemporary artists, a sustainable approach comes in different ways including material selection, production processes, and themes that promote climate awareness. Similarly, a learned curation or collection of sustainable art can significantly impact environmental sustainability while influencing individual behavior, promoting sustainable practices, supporting eco-friendly industries, and raising awareness about environmental issues.
Material selection in contemporary art can be mindful and eco-conscious. Many artists now use recycled materials to create their artworks, reducing waste and conserving resources. For instance, artist El Anatsui uses discarded bottle caps and other found objects to create large-scale installations. By repurposing waste materials, he not only reduces landfill contributions but also raises awareness about consumerism and waste.
Artists like Jenny Kendler use natural pigments and eco-friendly paints to minimize their environmental footprint. These materials are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reducing air and water pollution.
To name a few contemporary Indian artists, Manveer aka Plasticvalla and Nishchay Thakur can be mentioned, who are respectively repurposing huge amounts of plastic waste and using eco-friendly, natural materials in their works.
Art can be a powerful tool to raise awareness about environmental issues. Olafur Eliasson’s “Ice Watch” installation, where he placed large blocks of ice from Greenland in urban areas to raise awareness about climate change, is a notable example that brings immediate attention to the melting polar ice caps.
Another powerful example is the community-oriented sustainability project ‘Trash People’ by HA Schult. Schult has installed one thousand life-sized Trash People made from crushed cans, electronic waste, and other rubbish as his critical commentary on constant human consumption since 1996. They traveled to major tourist sites such as Moscow’s Red Square (1999), the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids of Giza.
Some galleries and art institutions are adopting sustainable practices by reducing energy consumption, using sustainable materials for exhibitions, and promoting artworks that highlight environmental issues. The Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro is an example of a sustainable museum, focusing on eco-friendly design and operations.
In the realm of public art, Banksy’s bemusement park “Dismaland” serves as a poignant reminder that featured works that critiqued consumerism and environmental destruction, sparking conversations and awareness among visitors about these critical topics.
An art collection that highlights sustainability can influence buyers to make more environmentally conscious decisions not only in art but also in other areas of their lives.
High-profile sustainable art projects and intiatives can inspire policymakers and community leaders to implement more environmentally friendly policies and practical changes. Public exhibitions of sustainable art can lead to greater community involvement in sustainability efforts, such as local recycling programs or conservation projects. For example, the “Washed Ashore” project in Oregon, which creates art from ocean debris, has inspired community clean-up events and policy discussions. Investing in sustainable art can also have economic benefits by fostering green jobs in the art sector. This includes jobs related to the production of sustainable materials, eco-friendly framing, and the operation of green galleries. The growth of a sustainable art market can contribute to a broader green economy.
Some examples of Impactful international Sustainable Art collectives include The Green Art Lab Alliance (GALA): A network of art institutions and artists across Europe that promotes environmental sustainability in the arts; and also, the Cape Farewell: An organization that brings artists, scientists, and communicators together to address climate change. Their art exhibitions and projects highlight the urgent need for climate action, reaching diverse audiences and inspiring both personal and collective change.
Artists have the power to influence environmental sustainability through their choices in materials, processes, themes, and the platforms they use to showcase their work. The eco-artist promotes the use of recycled, upcycled, and non-toxic materials among artists and art collectors, which encourages the art community to adopt similar practices, reducing the overall environmental footprint of the art industry.
The progressive and mindful culture of sustainable art can have far-reaching impacts on environmental sustainability by promoting eco-friendly practices, raising awareness, and encouraging sustainable consumer behavior. Through education, economic support for green industries, and the creation of sustainable art markets, the cultural current of eco-friendliness in the art ecosystem contributes significantly to a more sustainable future.
