Climate awareness in art: contradictions of the Anthropocene
The article critiques the paradox of the art world's embrace of environmental themes while perpetuating unsustainable practices. It notes that terms like 'Anthropocene' have entered common vocabulary, referencing Zygmunt Bauman's 'liquid society' and the Chicago Boys' neoliberalism. The author points to initiatives such as Greta Thunberg's carbon-free Atlantic crossing on a Monaco yacht, natural installations at the Venice Biennale, green newspaper policies, and fashion/design collections with 'save the planet' slogans. However, he highlights hypocrisy at Art Basel, where ancient olive trees from Southern Italy were uprooted and trucked to the fair to symbolize 'our common future.' The piece argues that the art world's climate discourse risks becoming performative, with attendees flying in, using plastic accessories, and consuming vegan menus while contributing to emissions. The article originally appeared in Artribune Magazine #51, authored by Cristiano Seganfreddo.
Key facts
- Greta Thunberg crossed the Atlantic carbon-free on a Monaco yacht.
- Venice Biennale featured natural installations and discussions.
- Art Basel displayed ancient olive trees from Southern Italy as a symbol of 'our common future'.
- The trees were transported by truck for hours and placed in a hall during winter.
- The term 'Anthropocene' has become common in conversations and conferences.
- The article references Zygmunt Bauman's 'liquid society' and the Chicago Boys' neoliberalism.
- Fashion and design have launched 'save the ocean', 'save the amazon', 'save the planet' collections.
- The piece was published in Artribune Magazine #51 by Cristiano Seganfreddo.
Entities
Artists
- Cristiano Seganfreddo
Institutions
- Artribune
- Art Basel
- Venice Biennale
- Starbucks
- McDonald's
Locations
- New York
- Monaco
- Venice
- Italy
- Southern Italy
- Basel
- Switzerland