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Brando Garza, Casey Miller, Conner Childers, Maddie Dufault, and Mason Dickens
Profesor Achkar
Art and Activism
February 6, 2023

Art for the Earth Foundation: Using Art to Advocate for Environmental Preservation

In today's rapidly changing and highly interconnected world, environmental preservation has become a paramount concern. The detrimental effects of human actions on the natural environment have reached unprecedented levels, and it is imperative that we all work towards securing a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Art can play a critical role in sustainability efforts by raising awareness and inspiring action. By harnessing the power of creativity and imagination, artists can bring attention to pressing environmental issues, evoke emotional responses, and motivate individuals and communities to take positive steps towards a greener and more equitable world in a variety of forms.
The Art for the Earth Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for environmental preservation through the use of various art mediums. The foundation recognizes the unique role that art can play in attracting attention and instigating change to the pressing issues facing our planet. Whether through paintings, sculptures, photographs, music, or performance art, the foundation showcases the work of artists who use their skills and vision to create pieces that educate, engage, and empower audiences to make positive changes for the environment.

Tan Zi Xi’s Great Pacific garbage patch installation, “Plastic Ocean”

Contemporary Chinese artist Tan Zi Xi created an installation called “Plastic Ocean” of hanging plastic waste for viewers to experience the reality of floating debris in our oceans. Through the use of repurposing, the artist also highlights the power of recycling and raises awareness about the world’s consumption and waste patterns. The audience leaves the museum with a newfound perspective on how their actions can impact the environment.

Lil Dicky’s Music Video and song: “Earth”

Lil Dicky is an American rapper and comedian known for his humorous and socially conscious music, including the viral hit "Earth" which addresses environmental issues. With over 380 million views on YouTube, the music video has reached a large audience and delivered its message about the importance of protecting our planet in a entertaining and educational way. The song features numerous celebrities from various industries, who lend their voices to different animals and plants, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the urgency of addressing environmental problems. The video's success shows the power of music and entertainment in inspiring people to take action and make a positive difference in the world.

Ai Weiwei's "Roots"

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist, activist, and political dissident who is known for his work in sculpture, installation, photography, and social commentary. Ai Weiwei's "Roots" sculptures are a powerful commentary on the devastating effects of deforestation and the loss of entire ecosystems. Made from the roots of dead trees, the sculptures serve as a reminder of the destruction that has been inflicted upon the natural world. The twisted, rough forms of the roots evoke a sense of loss and sadness, and bring attention to the scale of the problem and the urgent need for action. By transforming what would otherwise be waste into works of art, Ai Weiwei elevates the significance of the material and the message it conveys, encouraging viewers to think deeply about the impact of deforestation on the environment and the creatures that depend on it.

Cristina Mittermeier's “Emaciated Polar Bear”

Cristina Mittermeier's photograph of an emaciated polar bear highlights the impact of climate change on wildlife and the environment. The photograph, which captures a thin and frail polar bear standing in a changing Arctic ecosystem, has been widely shared and raises awareness about the consequences of climate change. Photography, as an art form, has the ability to capture and convey powerful messages through images, making it a valuable tool for advocacy and activism. In this case, Mittermeier's photo has contributed to the growing conversation on the importance of taking action to protect the environment.

Sean Yoro’s Glacier Mural

Sean Yoro, Hawaiian-born street artist and muralist known as "Hula," uses his large-scale murals painted on floating surfaces and walls around the world as a form of activism to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly those related to the impact of human activity on our oceans and coastlines. From the streets of an urban city to the glaciers of the Poles, Yoro cultivates national attention a variety of environmental challenges in diverse landscapes. His work highlights painting’s ability to be displayed in a wide range of locations as an effective tool for activism.
In conclusion, the Art for the Earth Foundation is a unique and innovative organization that recognizes the power of art to advocate for environmental preservation. Through its programs, exhibitions, and public events, the foundation provides a platform for artists and art lovers alike to connect, collaborate, and create a more sustainable future for our planet. Whether you are an artist or an art lover, there is a role for everyone to play in the Art for the Earth Foundation. Join us in our mission to use art to make a difference.

Works Cited
"AI Weiwei: Roots." Lisson Gallery, lissongallery.com/exhibitions/ai-weiwei-roots.
"Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen: Photographers and Scientists." National Geographic Adventure, National Geographic Society, 6 Feb. 2023, www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/cristina-mittermeier-paul-n....
"Deforestation: Clearing the Path for Wildlife Extinctions." Earth and Animals, earthandanimals.com/advocate/wild-earth/params/post/1278141/deforestation-clearing-the-path-for-wildlife-extinctions.
"Deforestation Facts." Earth.org, earth.org/deforestation-facts/.
“Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, under the Sea.” Singapore Art Museum, https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/art-events/exhibitions/imaginarium-2016.
Media Release - Imaginarium 2016 - Singapore Art Museum. https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/-/media/sam/files/press-release/2016-p....
“Plastic, Fish and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” WWF, https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/plastic-fish-and-the-great-pacific-gar....
“The Great Pacific Garbage Patch • The Ocean Cleanup.” The Ocean Cleanup, 6 Sept. 2022, https://theoceancleanup.com/great-pacific-garbage-patch/.
“This Artist Is Turning Ocean Waste into a Work of Art: Verve Magazine.” Verve Magazine | India's Premier Luxury Lifestyle Women's Magazine, 30 Nov. 2017, https://www.vervemagazine.in/arts-and-culture/this-artist-is-turning-oce....
Yoro, Sean. “Hula.” HULA, https://www.byhula.com/.
"5 Different Mediums of Visual Art." Brook Fine Arts, brookfinearts.com/post/5-different-mediums-of-visual-art.