Art and Politics

Posted on 11/10/2024 8:58:08 PM - Comment on this

Hi,

I want to apologize for my late post this month. I did an art fair for three days in Carefree at the beginning of the month, and I was excited to come back right afterward and tell you all about it.

However, that's not what happened. Admittedly, I had to take a few days to grieve. I grieved that we all witnessed an extinction-level event on Tuesday, and now we will have to face the consequences.

I don't normally talk about politics in relation to my art. But in this case, I think it's valid. One of the main reasons that I paint is because I find the world around us so exceptionally beautiful, and I want to share my vision with everyone. The other reason though is a little darker and that's because in my life I've already seen the serious impacts of climate change and environmental destruction. And I've already documented it in my work.

The paintings below depict natural landscapes that no longer exist. Land that supported ecosystems and absorbed carbon and heat has now been covered in concrete that will have a net deficit to our climate instead of a benefit. Healthy oceans that capture carbon are dying.

Saquaro Looking West

The stately saguaro in Saguaro looking West is now gone to make room for houses.

The ocotillo and that entire field are now gone to make room for warehouses.

Ocotillos Serenade at Sunset

Keawakapu Final

And the painting of Keawekapu...30 years ago that beach was teeming with marine life and had a vibrant reef. Today it is all dead and gone.

When I say that we've witnessed an extinction-level event, it's not hyperbole, and many of the world's scientists are saying the same. Scientists for years have been calling attention to the terrible damage that Trump's first presidency did to our efforts to make progress on preventing the worst outcomes of climate change.

His policies this time are worse. This year, the world is predicted to cross one of the first tipping points: a 1.5 degrees C increase in global temperature. Without a strong policy to combat climate change, it's only going to get worse. The extinction rate for species on this planet every day is already high, it's going to get higher. And don't think that can't include us. It may not be a flashy extinction-level event like the dinosaurs had, but I guess we don't get to pick what kind of extinction event we get.

Art has long played a role in political change and social movements.

The picture of Phan Thi Kim Phúc, sometimes called The Napalm Girl, help solidify American's anger about the already unpopular Vietnam War.

Napalm Girl

Keep calm

A simple but powerful red and white poster, Keep Calm and Carry on, helped the British people persevere through the blitz.

Cinema has also played a part in swaying public opinion in the past. Top Gun increased Navy recruitment by 8%, Jaws led to a massive increase in the hunting of sharks, and Reefer Madness influenced the criminalization of marijuana for almost 100 years.

Jaws

This time it's clear that some people missed the message in films like Don't Look Up or the show The Good Place.

So, in my own way, through my work, I am trying to inspire all of you; help us save the planet! And when you have the chance, vote for those who will also help.

Next month, I promise I will get back to the fun of art. Unless we get hit by a meteor...

I love you all,

Bethany

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/28/donald-trump-climate-change-environment

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Art and Politics

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