A new exhibition titled “Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis” opened Wednesday at London’s Hayward Gallery and aims to stimulate action regarding the climate crisis.
Inspired by Nigerian-born artist Otobong Nkanga’s perspective that “caring is a form of resistance,” the exhibition includes works from over a dozen artists worldwide. Each artist presents their unique interpretation of climate change and its impacts on Earth.
“This exhibition is called ‘Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis’ and the premise was that to ask artists to reframe, recontextualize the climate change today and connect to Mother Earth, our Earth,” chief curator Rachel Thomas told news agency Reuters. “So it’s very much about fauna, animals, people and our will today.”
Among the pieces are “The Living Pyramid” by artist Agnes Denes, which is planted with flowers and grasses, and artist Jenny Kendler’s sculpture “Birds Watching III,” which displays the eyes of 100 bird species that are nearing extinction because of climate change.
Thomas explained that the exhibition is an open dialogue about the climate crisis. Each artist has their own room, facilitating a conversation-like environment where visitors can explore different perspectives and narratives on the climate issue. It encourages visitors to consider behavioral changes and creative approaches to address these issues.