The effects of climate change are taking place on a global level, from the Andes to the Arctic, and throughout Africa, Asia and the Americas. While the impacts of climate change are vast and growing, we asked 40 artists from around the world to focus on the melting and thawing of the ice caps and permafrost, and the implications for humans and other species. In recent years, as the science of climate change has become more certain, the conversation has transformed from “Is climate change happening?” to “What will we do about it?” Already, rising temperatures are requiring plants and animals to adapt to shifts in their habitat and food supply — some species may be successful, while others may not be. The changes in the Earth’s climate also require that we change the way we live. We must respond not by turning away, but by educating ourselves, and being willing to change our habits, attitudes, and way of life. In Melting Ice / A Hot Topic, the artists explore these many aspects of the meaning of change. The powerful effects of climate change — scarcity of resources, desertification, and an increase in the number of natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes — can lead to an increase in resource conflicts. The UN Security Panel recently characterized climate change as a threat to international peace and security. Climate change might lead to millions of refugees and dramatic changes in the supply of drinking water. The link between climate change and peace becomes increasingly apparent. The art invites us to reflect on our beliefs about the environment, and question our own perceptions. Our hope is that the exhibition will inspire change — in both attitudes and action. Artwork of select artwork here.
Artists Subhankar Banerjee, Robert Bateman, Alfio Bonano, David Buckland, Margaret Cogswell, Sebastian Copeland, Xavier Cortada, Siobhan Davies, Era and Don Farnsworth, Free Range Studio, Helen and Newton Harrison, Mona Hatoum, David and Hi-Jin Hodge, Laura Horelli, Gary Hume, The Icelandic Love Corporation, Ichi Ikeda, Sveln Flygari Johansen, Chris Jordan, Yoshiaki Kaihatsu, Sant Khalsa, Fred Ivar Ultsi Klemetsen, Angela Lergo, Jonas Liveröd, Ives Maes, Dalibar Martinis, Jacob McKean, Gilles Mingasson, David Nash, Sven Pahlsson, Cecilia Paredes, Shana and Robert ParkeHarrison, Philippe Pastor, Lucy & Jorge Orta, Andrea Polli, Ana Prvacki, Kahn Selesnick, Anne Senstad, David Trubridge, Strijdom van der Merwe, Theo Wujcik, Justin Young
Venues The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, 2008 Ministry of Culture, Monaco, 2008 BOZAR, Brussels, Belgium, 2007 Nobel Peace Center, Oslo, Norway, 2007