Newton Harrison: Nature Will Simplify Humanity

Newton Harrison, half of the pioneering ecological art duo Helen and Newton Harrison, discusses their five-decade commitment to art that benefits ecosystems. In an interview with Artribune, he reflects on their early work, including 'Making Earth' and portable farms, and their rule to consult the 'web of life' before creating any piece. Harrison argues that humanity has broken its relationship with nature since the advent of agriculture 10,000 years ago, leading to male domination and ecological crisis. He predicts an 'era of simplification' where nature will drastically reduce the human population through viruses and bacteria, as seen with COVID-19. He praises Greta Thunberg as a spiritual force evoking empathy. Harrison advises artists to become 'artist-researchers' with basic knowledge of biology and climate science. The interview was conducted at his California farm after his wife's death in 2018.