To showcase the importance of street art in the environmental movement, I wanted to provide several examples from around the world that I found especially moving. As you will see in these examples, art can evoke emotions in ways that scientific facts may not. Additionally, when art is displayed outside, such as the murals I will show, the issues addressed through the piece often reach a much broader audience than written works.
Banksy, an anonymous graffiti artist famous for his political pieces, produced these first two street art examples. The first, meant to highlight the ridiculous nature of denying climate change while living with its effects, was created in 2009, just after the United Nations Climate Summit in Copenhagen failed to result in a legally binding agreement between the nations. The words, “I DON’T BELIEVE IN GLOBAL WARMING,” are intentionally made to appear as though they are disappearing into the rising waters of a London canal. The second piece took on air pollution in 2018, and it was intentionally set on the corner of a garage so that you do not see the reality of what is happening unit you round the corner. (Links on this information below.)
https://grist.org/article/it-looks-like-banksy-just-created-an-extinction-rebellion-mural
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2009/dec/21/banksy-copenhagen-regents-canal
https://www.demilked.com/environmental-graffiti-street-art/
This next mural was produced by members of the Essencia Arts Collective in Ontario, Canada. The primary artists were a husband and wife team, Bruno Smoky and Shalak Attack, and their friend, Fiya Bruxa. These artists have created pieces worldwide, and Essencia is an international collective with members from six continents. The piece, titled “Dying Ocean,” is in Toronto, Ontario. This piece shows you something new at every turn and speaks volumes about how humans have negatively impacted the oceans. A few aspects to note: the polar bear, ribs showing, swimming towards an almost non-existent iceberg, the shark about to devour a plastic bottle, and the radioactive waste that seems to be mutating the fish. The incorporation of the existing utility meters and pipes is also ingenious.
The following two pieces are produced by a two-man group that calls themselves NEVERCREW. The two Swiss-born members, Christian Rebecchi and Pablo Togni, met in art school over twenty-five years ago. They focus on bringing the distressed relationship between humans and nature to the fore in urban environments, places where nature can sometimes be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of daily life. The first mural, titled “Exhausting Machine,” was created in Vancouver, British Columbia, and shows a polar bear “trapped” by pollution and the commoditization of all things. The second piece, “Wire,” was created in Paradiso, Switzerland, and deals with the loss of wildlife habitats as humans build their homes, businesses, and electric lines all across the land. You can find more photos of their work on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nevercrew/
This next art installment is not a painting, but its visual impact is profound. In an article in Street Art Utopia, the author describes the work: “The ice sculptures, handcrafted by Brazilian artist Nele Azevedo, were set up in a public area by WWF Germany to show the direct effect of climate change in the Arctic on the whole planet and the future of humanity and nature.” As the human figures melt in the sun, one is reminded of the melting Arctic and the peril that life on Earth faces as the planet warms. I am certain this would have been moving to see in person.
These next two works, created by the Spanish artist, Pejac, emphasize the impact a simple black-and-white painting can have on the viewer. A website dedicated to him quotes from an interview with the artist:
“I prefer to speak with a soft voice,” Pejac stated in one of his rare interviews, metaphorically describing his poetic approach to creating subtle, yet impactful studio pieces and urban interventions. “When people speak with a soft voice, others draw closer to listen.”
The first work, titled “Stain,” shows us “going down the drain” and taking everything else with us. The second piece, “Killing Ourselves,” deals with the issue of deforestation and how that will eventually affect humans.
This next piece is a 3D mural by Leon Keer, titled “Shattering.” It can be found in Helsingborg, Sweden. The work includes four teacups teetering off the side of the building, each one depicting another environmental danger. Extreme heat due to climate change melting polar ice, species extinction, drought, and oil pollution are all included in the imagery on the cups. It speaks to the fragility of life on our planet and our precarious relationship with nature. Keer has also partnered with Augmented Reality so that his piece can come to life. This YouTube video lets you see what happens when you scan the painting with the “Leon Keer” app.
The next piece is attributed to the street artist known as SaRX 404, known for their “in your face” political pieces. They included this quote when posting a photo of the piece to their Instagram in 2021:
In a week where the oceans were literally burning it’s becoming more and more evident that parents would do almost anything for their kids except reduce their carbon footprint.
And, though this image may be disturbing, its message about what we are leaving behind for future generations is spot on.
Speaking of future generations, this next piece was designed by a fourteen-year-old United Kingdom resident, Colin Li, for a national art competition, The Grantham Climate Art Prize 2021. His design was then painted by two artists, Ciaran Globel and Conzo Throb. There were winners chosen in seven U.K. cities, and his won in Glasgow. In an article by the Imperial, the authors state: “The aim of the project is to highlight the issue of biodiversity loss – at a time when a quarter of UK mammals are at risk of extinction and 60% of UK’s most important species have decreased in abundance.” Colin’s piece contrasts a beautiful, healthy, and vibrant natural world with a polluted, burning, and dying one. It is aptly titled “Our Climate Is Changing.”
Returning closer to home, this last project was revealed in Seattle this year and includes two massive murals. The murals were unveiled in celebration of World Environment Day, and the larger of the two is the largest mural in North America. In an article by the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration page, they explain the importance of the two murals:
The murals are part of a global series produced by SAM [Street Art for Mankind] in collaboration with UNEP [United Nations Environment Programme] and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to spark energy and dialogue among stakeholders from all sectors in support of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global effort to halt and restore biodiversity to prevent catastrophic climate change by 2030. As part of this series, four other Ecosystem Restoration murals have been unveiled in Brussels, Houston, New York and Detroit…
The Urban Ecosystem Restoration mural, at nearly 800 feet wide, is the largest in North America and highlights the importance of green spaces which lay at the heart of urban planning for the benefit of people and nature. In this work of art, the artist showcases three magnificent species – the osprey (seahawk), sea otter, and harbor seal – which are all local to the area and have bounced back in number. Reflected in their eyes are iconic landmarks and buildings, nature and diverse populations which inspire us to focus on ecosystem restoration and tree equity in cities.
The 3-D Ocean Ecosystem Restoration mural is a celebration of Seattle’s unique link with the sea and the need to strengthen the connection between coastal cities and oceans. Coastal regions are home to 40% of the global population, and 12 out of the world’s 15 largest cities are located by the sea. The child in the image represents humankind to remind us of the essential role that we play in the care and protection of our oceans and endangered species. In fact, 80% of cities could improve their water quality by taking care of the ecosystems that surround them…
The “Urban Ecosystem Restoration” mural is presented below as a SAF Instagram link so that you may scroll through all their images in one link. The “Ocean Ecosystems Restoration” mural will be next.
4 Replies to ““A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words””
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Art says what words often cannot and in a language all can understand. Awesome post. I also think the countdown clock (I forget its name) is a great example of this type of art as well.
Thank you! And, yes, I would also consider the “Doomsday Clock,” originally designed by Martyl Langsdorf, and later redesigned by Michael Bierut, an example of environmental interactive art.
Amazing images, conveying powerful visceral messages of care and concern for our precious and fragile earth. Literary artistry has a similar impact, as I’ve again been reminded in reading Richard Powers’s latest novel “Playground” – the cover illustration of that book is pretty arresting in its own right… https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205478762-playground
I agree, and Richard Powers is a fantastic author. His book “Overstory” remains in my top 10, and it is another great example of the literary artistry you mentioned.