How Does Climate Change Art?

You might think that when a piece of art is finished, it is done in every sense of the word, now a static object — unchanging, permanent forever. But it’s anything but; in fact, all art is fleeting when you place it on the timescales our planet runs on. Just how do climate and art interact? What can art tell us about climate, particularly as it continues to be at the forefront of discussions of the future of humanity?

Coming to you from The Art Assignment, this fascinating video investigates the historical connection between art and climate and how the two have informed each other over time, as well as examining the practical consequences humans and changing climate have on works of art. Though we might not consciously consider it every day, climate and the weather are crucial aspects of human life, and we depend on them for our very existence, a fact that artists have captured and responded to across time, leaving us an intricate history of humanity’s relationship with the winds of the Earth and a look at how we might interact with them in the future. It’s a truly fascinating topic and well worth the watch. Check out the video above for the full rundown.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments
2 Comments

I didn't know Climate Change could art. :P

Really interesting series.
I remember being fascinated by the fact that acid rain was destroying Florence’s sculptures back when I was a kid. Recently, in Agra I was shocked at the damage from pollution. Even more, the fact that the pressure on the water table from the growing population has undermined the footing for the Taj.
It’s hard not to be pessimistic about where this is all going.