LAST CALL ON CLIMATE

Gaspésie 2008 clin d'oeil à Cape Farewell
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As Buckland answers Lertzman in her interview, in regards with the dialog an artist can engage with someone else he says that you are “communicating, through the art, with one person who has come back with a story. And that is what art does.” Storytelling. In that sense there is no hesitation in Buckland’s mind that art are “phenomenally powerful, persuasive, exciting, engaging.” (p.115) The Cape Farewell project could be seen actually answering McKibbens question of where is the art ?  Various emotions related to Climate change were expressed throughout and through art.  From novel (Ian McEwan ), to choregraphy (Siobhan Davies), painters, sculptor, to much more, Buckland said “ If you accept climate change as a complete reality, which we do now, it’s going to turn society around in order to solve the problem; it’s an enormous cultural challenge for society.” (p.114) I figured Art had also often been considered a great challenge to engage with, in previous or modern society. These two had therefore seemed to have something to do together. Reaching out was not going to be easy either way.

The fact that “the scientific community does not yet know how to engage effectively with the media.”(p.113) is something often heard as well in the recent years. Buckland took the bet of change, in a meaningful emotional, artistic way. I always find it risky or perhaps a little pretentious when someone claims “ There was no imagery, there was no way of saying: now look, think about this. There was no clear imagery for conveying climate change.” Perhaps there was not much, and certainly not enough, could be a little more modest, even if the project itself had huge uncovered objectives and beauties. We have been exposed to documentaries, photographer’s work, and many people have been reflecting on environmental issues in installations and exhibitions (Ukeles 1995, Sudjai Chaiyapan who’s focus has been environmental degradation since 1990’s (although I am not a fan of his surreal work at all, engaged artists of the 70’s, many of whom already addressed the environmental urgency by means of arts, and so did architecture pieces, design, urbanism etc. Which does not deny the fact Cape farewell has brought a terrific contribution to the too few projects aimed at this crucial and newly named Global warming/Climate change dimension. Conservation art, such as 1948’s Soviet posters were also part of a huge movement to recognize Earth’s degradation. Illustrated children’s book were many to address environmental concern. And what about Land art. Many of those artists had an environmental impact reflection and discourse. Anyhow, with all respect to amazing projects, it is just always strange to feel the uniqueness of one's goal instead of acknowledging a path or seeking for an emotional construction with previous artists. Of course many other projects came later. Like Bruce Mau's Massive change exhibition and project you may like if you have not already seen it everywhere.

In terms of finding new ways to communicate, I agree with Buckland's claim that “ there have been many examples in the arts in response to social issues in the past, there has been a great resistance to be seen as‘‘campaigning.’’ I wondered if such resistance he considered was from the public or the artists themselves to be seen as campaigners? Well it was time for a Farewell since the blog deadline was in 5 minutes :-) I didn't have time to talk of Natalie Jeremijenko's Environmental Health Clinic, I had really enjoyed in previous course, and which reminded me of the fun theory a little. Except her's was Art. Not advertising. As if advertising is always inspiring itslef form the arts...often out of imagination.

Bye Renee, and thank you ...so much

McKibben, B. (2009). Four years after my pleading essay, climate art is hot. Grist Magazine, (August).
David Buckland, Founder, Cape Farewell, with Renee Lertzman. (2008). Environmental Communication: A Journal of Nature and Culture, 2(1), 110-118.
The work of Cape Farewell (Cape Farewell website) (DVD, "ART FROM THE ARCTIC" PENDING RRU ACQUISITION PROCESS)Bibi van der Zee I am not denying the emotional impact of these artworks
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/dec/11/copenhagen-climate-change-art
Phillips, P. (1995). "Maintenance Activity: Creating a climate for change." In Nina Felshin (Ed.). But Is It Art: The Spirit of Art as Activism. (pp. 165-193). Seattle, WA: Bay Press.