#environmental activisim

[isobelleposts]

What is Worth More, Art or Life?

by Isobelle Cruz [October 26, 2022]

ABOVE: "Sunflowers" (1888) by Vincent van Gogh

A close friend of mine recently brought up the latest issue regarding the two activists that had thrown soup at Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” painting at London’s National Art Gallery and had sparked an interest in me to look further into it, and how this is not the first instance wherein art had been used as a gateway to spreading social awareness.

Was it right? Was it wrong? Let’s start with what the news articles say.

As usual, news articles and journalists have refrained from stating opinions and instead laid out facts on the event. One thing I had noticed, though, while on this little research of mine, was the prominent use of the word “Gen-Z” in news headlines. Young people are getting more and more aware of society’s troubles and unjust treatment of the privileged towards minorities as time passes by. With that, activists have grown to find more uniquely absurd ways to catch mass attention and awareness.

Earlier this year in May, at the Louvre Museum, a 36-year-old man had smeared cake on Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” with the intent of drawing attention to the environmental damage that is caused by artists and their craft. His words spoken in French specifically were as stated below:

"There are people who are destroying the Earth. All artists, think about the earth. That’s why I did this. Think of the planet.”

Just like the Mona Lisa cake-smearing situation, the recent event that took place on October 14th garnered a lot of attention online and several opinions were broadcasted through social media outlets; one of them popularly being Twitter. Though to thoroughly examine the situation, I’ve decided to go beyond the surface of social media posts and online articles and had some people closely related in my life—most of them fellow artists connected through a mutual friend—state their thoughts and opinions.

ABOVE: "Minotaur Caressing a Sleeping Woman" (1933) by Pablo Picasso

WHAT DO THE PEOPLE THINK?

It was in my favor, that, just like opinions are split in half and spread across social media, the personal statements I’ve come to gather are diverse in their takes on the situation as well, hence broadening the areas of my discussion.

One of them stated that they weren’t sure what to think but were relieved that the painting wasn’t damaged, while others think the same though feel that it wasn’t the right approach to take on behalf of the activists. 

Another states quite boldly that the attempt to destroy such an important piece of art and cultural history won’t fix the climate crisis and also compares it to destroying the great pyramids in an attempt to fix racism.

Personally, I think that is a completely irrelevant comparison. Although there are several conflicting and morally bad artists out there whose paintings could have been harmed instead, such as Pablo Picasso, who used his art as a form to showcase his misogyny towards “machines for suffering”, “doormats”, or women, it still does not take away the fact that this not-so newly adapted form activism was successful in garnering attention towards artists and enjoyers of art—no matter how small or large it may seem.

ABOVE: "Ophelia" (1851–1852) by John Everett Millais

WHAT CAN I DO?

As someone who participates in the problem of our crisis through the use of oil paints and other harmful materials, I began wondering what I may change or prevent in order to help in the situation. It would be ignorant to find this occasion as something interesting enough to be worth writing about yet continually participating in everyday actions that slowly destroy our environment.

For a detailed discussion of what artists may do to become more environmentally friendly, I went over a helpful article written by Agora Experts titled Going Green: Environmentally Friendly Practices for Artists.

“What is worth more, art or life? Is it worth more than food? Worth more than justice? Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?”

Statement from one of the activists on the Van Gogh occurrence

Tell me, what is worth more to you? Art or life?

[environmentalwatch]

Student Activists Win in Montana

Student activists prevail in a climate change trial that’s been pending in Montana for years. In Montana, the state constitution was revised in 1972 to protect the environment of the state. “The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations,” reads Article IX, Part IX. And it goes on to require that “the…

[witchmd13]

honestly i used to wonder about the people who think environmental activisim begins and ends with taylor swift but it's a signature tumblr move we just want someone to be mad about and crucify cause they're easy

[fandomforward]

There are lots of young climate activists fighting for their futures. Most of us have heard of some, like Greta Thunberg. But there are so many more! Here are a few of those activists and what they're doing to fight for their futures.

[remazdo]

It’s about time I shared this...

On July 3rd I was minding my own business and looking though my Facebook feed, as I am prone to do in times of great boredom, when I stumbled across a news article titled “Trump dismisses need for climate change action: ‘we have the cleanest water we’ve ever had, we have the cleanest air’”. Now normally I do not engage in drama on the internet, I like my quite little corner where I can read and watch everything that is happening, but this time it was different. You see, when it comes to things that have to do with environment, I can feel rather passionate, so I shared and added my own little bit at the top that said

“Cleanest air and water compared to where? Venus? Titan? Flint, Michigan? O___o does anyone know where I can get a copy of these reports?”

I should have known better, I received a few funny comments, and then received the one that prompted the writing of this particular post you are reading now.

“Our Country is one of the cleanest I’ve ever been to. Yes he’s absolutely right if the rest of the world was as clean as America wouldn’t have that problem why don’t you go protest in China”

I was taken aback. It wasn’t that this person wasn’t known to say things like this, it was that I am not accustomed to being the start of or even being a part of such internet drama. I felt something inside myself, something my ancestors probably felt when the faced something they knew was wrong and that something had to be done. The feeling led me to do the one thing I never thought I would, I responded...

“This is very true, and I’m not disputing that fact. I’m actually very glad you brought that up. My point here is that the segregation of countries is causing us to miss other important things. I live in California, and the LA aqueduct drained lake Owens, the dust particles from the now dry lake bed are a carcinogen and particles of that lake have been found in lung cancer patients as far away as Russia.

The point I’m making here is that if one country has bad air, we all have bad air. It doesn’t matter the distance and toxins do not obey borders. Everything in this world is cause and effect, reactions even. If you strike a person in the solar plexus, he will double over. You can then strike him in the face or throat easier because you know where it will be moving. If we stand by as an attacker strikes at us and don’t react then aren’t we giving up? Chemicals, toxins, carcinogens. These are our attacker. By not trying to do something, even if it’s uncomfortable or hard to do, then we are going to be beaten. We need to as a species defend ourselves from the threat. And segregation will only make it harder to do. I’d rather be ready for a fight then pretend one won’t happen.

That being said, I do agree with you that America is one of the more clean countries. I just think it could be cleaner.

also, I want you to know that I’m not trying to upset, I just like a good debate and I love hearing everyone’s side of things. It’s the philosopher in me. I would actually love to talk about this topic further when I’m not heading to work if you are up for it.”

I felt the way I responded would have helped steer my point home, and hopefully prevent the online arguing I am so adverse to...unfortunately that is not how these things tend to go. His response was as follows.

“no debate. It’s liberal fools that destroyed California with open borders. You stated it your self segregation of countries. It’s what keeps out disease. Keeps people safe. You and your ideas are what is killing the American. Dream. Don’t protest here, move to China and do your whining. See how far it gets you.”

The feeling got stronger, I felt like fighting against injustice, standing shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters to save the planet, I heard the ancestors screaming in my ears. I spent the next two days writing a response, but Facebook wouldn’t let me send the whole thing, it was to long. I shared it with two close friends, and they suggested I post it someplace where it may actually do some good, and that leads me to here. I hope you all enjoy the following.

“I really would like to keep this from becoming an argument and keep this strictly scholarly, but I would like to make a few points. The first being that I am not a Democrat, I am republican. But that doesn’t change the fact that I am also a tactician, a science major, and a martial artist. Being those things means a few things. The first of those is that I stand for what the definition of republican means.

Republican: adj.

having the supreme power lying in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them or characteristic of such government.

I will be adding links below anything in quotations to my sources to allow for citation.

“The core beliefs of the Republican Party are centered on the idea that each person is responsible for their own place within society. The party believes that the government’s role is to enable the people to secure the benefits of society for themselves, their families, and for those who are unable to do so for themselves. Republicans believe in limiting the Government’s intervention in the work of the individual towards prosperity. The government should only intervene when society cannot function at the level of the individual. This also means that the party believes in keeping the government as close to the individual as possible, and should be focused mainly on the state and community level, not centered at a federal level.”

https://www.republicanviews.org/what-is-a-republican-republican-definition/

Now that I believe I have put my political stance in order, let’s move on.

From a tacticians point of view, the only thing we have to loose by repairing the environment is money and time. I would rather prepare for a possible problem and be proactive then pretend it is impossible that it could happen and be reactionary. Preparation is always better then procrastination. To quote Issui Sensei, “During a state of order you should consider and prepare for war and in a time of disorder you should think for the best way to bring about peace.” If you believe we are in a state of order, then you need to be ready for and open to anything that may happen that brings disorder. If you believe we are in a state of disorder, then you shouldn’t be arguing with everyone and should be open to new ideas and thoughts in a hopes to find a way to bring about order again. Anything less then that is ignorance and arrogance.

Next, from a scientific perspective. I am not one that just excepts things blindly, if the president says we have the cleanest air and water, I would like to see the report. That is all. If he said we had the dirtiest water and air, I would want to see the report. The fact is that I don’t just except climate change because. Scientist tells me its real, except it because I myself have done the experiments in my own home and have see the results. I am not excepting the word of someone else, I am excepting my own word on it. That being said, if you could provide me with tangible data that said we are not dooming our species, and it was from a trusted source or from multiple sources, then I would be willing to except it as truth. It really is that simple. If you want to change my mind, it is possible, but you need data, reports, and proof.

Now from a martial artist viewpoint. I think I covered that in my other post, but I will go over it again. If you get into a fight you do everything you can to survive, you punch and kick and bite. It’s my life or theirs. That is what we have here. Not between to people, but between all humans on earth and the threat of extinction. I will fight, and it doesn’t matter where I fight, because no matter how much better America is compared to someone else, it can always be better then its current state. No matter how good you are at fighting, there is always someone better out there, and you can always train harder and be better then yourself. So no matter how good America can be, it can always improve.

Okay, now let’s dissect the “killing the American Dream” statement you made.

The historian James Truslow Adams first defined the American dream in 1931 by saying "The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement." And it is protected in the Declaration of Independence where it says “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Here it clearly says all men, not just Americans. It is an ideal that is meant to be without borders and self evident in all people. If you call yourself American then you have to believe in this common ideal.

https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-the-american-dream-quotes-and-history-3306009

However, we are seeing this ideal being terribly twisted for personal gain and profit. People’s liberties are being taken, and their rights are being infringed upon. The follow pictures in the link below are examples of those rights being infringed upon. If you can look at these people and tell me that you would be able to do what they are and it wouldn’t be against your inalienable rights then my point is moot, because you will have proven to me that this is the normal way all humans should be treated. But if you wouldn’t willing live the way these people are being forced to live, then you will have to agree with me that it isn’t American to do so, and anyone doing this to another person is not only morally bankrupt, but also un-American. “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” “Whatever is hurtful to you, do not do to any other person.” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I think these words have lost their meaning today. And if you say my thoughts here are liberal brain washing, I would state that these ideals are in fact republican based off of the definition above.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzOctt1ne_x/?igshid=1c05wg1vwiabz

It is true that people spread diseases, it is also true that animals spread disease as well, especially livestock. So if we are to shut our borders to the world, it would only make sense to provide better regulations to livestock as well. Yet that threat is also being over looked. It’s also important to note that my argument was not against border control, but for the well being of our environment. I know that climate change is real, and not because I saw it on the news, I in fact do not watch the news. All the news is propaganda. All news agencies are owned by the same companies. Instead I do my own research rather then just repeating something that some face on the television told me. If people could just get rid of their personal biases, try to work to helping other people, helping the planet, helping life, then we would have a great America again. But while America spends more money on the prison system then the school system, women’s bodies are seen as property of the state, the melanin content of a persons skin dictates your worth in society, or those in need at the steps of the temple are cast out to die in the streets America will never be as great as it could be, no where near. Nowhere in any of the documents for this country does it ever say that hate and segregation are the way to me things better, it only talks about unification and good will towards all men. And THESE are what it really means to be American, Republican, and human. We should be setting the example, not just ignoring it till it goes away and blaming others for not doing enough. America is supposed to be better then that.”

I would like thank anyone who was able to make it through this lengthy post, it was something I felt I needed to put out there into the world.

[thesunlounge]

Jake Hottell - El Rio de los Delores (from Breaks the Chains, Spacetalk 2019)

[taraocomics]

Oh hiya! It's been a long while since I logged into this but with the possible twitter exodus I figured I'd introduce myself to folks who are following me and also reintroduce myself to anyone who is still following me after all these years! Couple things—I got a book deal in 2018 and my book FLY BY NIGHT was published in November! Yay! Fancy a modern twist on the jersey devil mixed with some mystery and some environmental activisim? Then my book might be your jam! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/604416/fly-by-night-by-tara-oconnor/ I'm currently working on my next book with them which will be announced later this year. I also have another book coming out this year that is also TBA, so lookout for that! Also, in Dec of 2019 I moved to Belfast!! Excitement! Anyway, hello everyone!

[gettingvetted]

7 Comfort Movies

Thanks to @lizziedoesvetpath​ for the tag!

1) Captain America (the First Avenger)

10/10 would do. This started my Chris Evans Phase™ and I’m still going strong.

2) A Bug’s Life

Classic. Favorite movie of all time. Accompanying computer game is a top favorite too.

3) Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron

Great childhood memories. I definitely have the soundtrack to this movie in my car. Are you even a horse girl if you didn’t obsess over this movie?

4) The Incredibles

You’re lucky if I don’t quote this movie at least once daily.

5) Sherlock Holmes

This was, uh... a very big contributor to my Robert Downey Jr. Phase™, let’s just leave it at that.

6) Holes

This was, uh... a very big contributor to my Shia LaBeouf™ phase, let’s just leave it at that.

7) Happy Feet

Singing penguins, environmental activisim, and Robin Williams’ voice acting. Can’t go wrong.

There are actually a ton more, like any of the Harry Potter movies, Princess Bride, the Devil Wears Prada, and Night at the Museum (don’t ask me about my Ben Stiller Phase™) but I had to pick only 7 :(

I tag @vet-and-wild​, @vetmedirl​, and @hanji-mama​!

[beautifulbizarremagazine]

Art and activism. Discover @seawalls_: Artists for Oceans. Visit beautifulbizarre.net today and learn more about @pangeaseed Foundation’s ARTivism program that "brings the message of ocean conservation into streets around the world" in an article by @angeliquejoy.creative. ⁣ .⁣ "Deep within our ocean waters lie the visible impact of human consumption, global warming, over-fishing and pollution- but for most, this is an issue we will never see. While these negative environmental impacts remain out of our collective sight, they remain out of our minds. Existing at the intersection of art and activism - ‘Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans’, is a powerful conservation initiative of the PangeaSeed Foundation. Sea Walls works to disrupt this ‘out of sight out of mind’ dilemma by bringing the truth from the depths of our oceans directly into our communities." - excerpt⁣ .⁣ Mural by @crackedink.⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #beautifulbizarre #art #activisim #environment #pangeaseed #seawalls #streetart #murals #ARTivism #crackedink #newcontemporaryart #popsurrealism #streeta #streetartistry #lowbrow — view on Instagram http://bit.ly/2X2c2iJ

[superkickyfighter]

The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambellin Kwaymullina

I really liked this book. It’s like the Australian version of Animorphs. Set in the landmass of Pangaea after a catastrophic global event completely rearranged the planet- nationhood and, oestensibly, racism are dead*. Instead the last of humanity has banded together in the seven great cities (there used to be eight). Ashala and her lost-boys-esque tribe are a mix of children on the run from the…

[shabbydoll]

Not to be an armchair activist or whatever, but this petition is so close to reaching its signature goal. Please take the time to sign. 

[showbizness]

Jane Fonda opens up about recent arrest for environmental activismon The View Just days after her arrest in Washington D.C. during a 'Fire Drill Fridays' climate change protest, Jane Fonda opened up about her ongoing environmental activisim.

[staringatblankpages]

Books for the Budding Environmentalist

I have spent the last month or so trying to decide how best to structure the blog going forward.  I have always known that I wanted to post Mon/Wed/Fri but I wasn’t sure what to do to help stream line my content. I work best in some sort of structure and I think that what I will be doing moving forward is making each day have a theme.  Friday’s theme will focus on Young Readers.  This is a wide…

[kickstarter-promotion]

Another Amazing Kickstarter (Environmentally-Aware Art Exhibition & Event by Ellie Mawby —Kickstarter) has been published on http://crowdmonsters.com/new-kickstarters/environmentally-aware-art-exhibition-event-by-ellie-mawby-kickstarter/

A NEW KICKSTARTER IS LAUNCHED:

About this project

Contemporary artists of all practices – fine art, photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, poetry, music – have been invited to submit proposals to an exhibition responding to the theme of the environment. This exhibition aims to blur the line between art and activisim, highlight issues concerning the environment and raise awareness, through art, of the impact that pollution has on the world.

The theme is open to be interpreted; exploring the negative impacts or the positive solutions, perhaps focusing on air pollution or plastic pollution, the implications that pollution has on people,  communities, wildlife, or landscape. Are the materials used to create the work significant? Does your work continue beyond the gallery walls? Can the audience interact with your work? Does the work change over the duration of the exhibition?

The exhibition aims to highlight local and national artists who are environmentally-aware, contemporary and whose artwork is powerful in both its message and its aesthetic.

In addition to the artwork, I anticipate that the exhibition will also include pop-up events throughout; craftivism workshops, film screenings, a pop-up shop etc. to create a real interaction and engagement with the viewers, to start conversations and be proactive. Local green groups are also welcome to contribute ideas and promotion material for petitions and events.

The funds would go towards producing small, handmade brochures to celebrate the contributing artists and to give more information about the themes involved and ways in which they have been interpreted.

As part of the week-long exhibition, I would like to offer film screenings for documentaries that highlight the global issues and allow audiences to be educated and informed. A potential screening would be of Before the Flood, and a license will be required for this. If there is anything left from the budget, this will go towards providing refreshments for guests and artists.

I anticipate that this exhibition/event will create some interesting dialogues, hopefully build some new relationships and give people the push and encouragement to make changes to their lifestyles with the creative influence and contemporary approach.

Risks and challenges

The main issue with this exhibition/event is obtaining the correct license to be able to legally show the documentaries. Through thorough research that I will hopefully be able to obtain the license and give local people an opportunity to be enlightened by these films that inform viewers of the problems and the solutions of global warming and pollution. An alternative to obtaining my own license would be to collaborate with a local organisation that produces pop-up film events, specialising in documentaries, so contact has been made to discuss this option further. If the collaboration is possible, this will also help with the publicity side of things by reaching the organisation’s current audience.

Aside from the license, the exhibition space should be able to facilitate the anticipated activities and give the audience a unique experience to engage and view art in all its forms. What I will need to consider however is ensuring that all artists are prompt with their communications and delivery of artwork to the gallery space. I have deliberately set a deadline for an open call over a week earlier than the exhibition set-up date to allow for some flexibility for artists to finalise artwork and transport it to me.

A potential concern is getting enough visitors to the exhibition/event. The gallery space is just slightly outside of the main city centre and isn’t that clearly signposted. I hope that the collaborations between myself and the other artists will help get the word spread as well the potential collaboration between the exhibition and the Pop-Up Docs organisation. In addition, I have reached out already to local green groups who will hopefully show their support from maybe a more academic point of view or something in contrast with art to give an all-round experience for the viewer. I have envisioned that this exhibition will appeal to quite a wide audience and give an opportunity for maybe a new audience to engage with the work and the gallery space.

Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY Kickstarter.com and Kicktraq.com VISIT PAGE SOURCE

[gradesguaranteed21]

Write a research essay on the above topic using the persuasive analytical model.

Write a research essay on the above topic using the persuasive analytical model.

Environmental activisim is ineffective in addressing environmental issue. Critically analyse and evaluate with reference to specific examples. Instructions Write a research essay on the above topic using the persuasive analytical model. The length of the research essay should be 1200 words. 200 words introduction 425 words paragraph 1 425 words paragraph 2 150 words conclusion For the remianing…

[pennoypapers]

Critically analyse and evaluate with reference to specific examples.

Critically analyse and evaluate with reference to specific examples.

Environmental activisim is ineffective in addressing environmental issue. Critically analyse and evaluate with reference to specific examples. Instructions Write a research essay on the above topic using the persuasive analytical model. The length of the research essay should be 1200 words. 200 words introduction 425 words paragraph 1 425 words paragraph 2 150 words conclusion For the remianing…