There are a
plethora of visual artists who use art to confront environmental and social
injustices. Indeed, art is a meaningful and inspiring tool to speak out against
the status quo and reveal injustices that are invisible to people who are
protected by their layers of privilege. An example of an artist who is exposing
environmental injustices with his work is Tyree Guyton. His Heidelberg Project
in Detroit represents his efforts to “use artistic expression to enrich [community
members’] lives and to improve the social and economic health of their greater
community” (The Heidelberg Project). A poor neighborhood
suffering from dilapidated infrastructure now has a new outlet and way to take
ownership of their community. Colorfully painted houses and old automobiles
line up along the street, welcoming people to interact with his work.
[The Heidelberg Project-http://www.heidelberg.org/]
John Fekner
is another artist who uses his art to draw attention to urban decay and
environmental problems in New York. His project called “Warning Signs”
highlighted unsafe areas throughout the five boroughs of New York that were
neglected by the City. To complete his street art, Fekner stenciled words on
sites to draw the City’s attention. According to Fekner, “The purpose was to create awareness about
environmental issues that directly impacted the community in which the
individual stencil was sited” (John Fekner).
[John
Fekner-www.johnfekner.com/]
No comments:
Post a Comment