Noor Debets
We like to talk a lot. Especially about climate change. The sustainable subject is always connected to the people here and now and about the kids of the future. And of course, we have a big problem. Especially because our whole economy is built on fossil fuels, and we are slowly witnessing the beginning of the end of these resources. This asks for big changes. We should steer towards a sustainable lifestyle, sustainable roles, sustainable engagement, sustainable moments to signify and we have to be responsible, right?
Of Course, this is totally true. And we’re doing a good job. I mean, on this very moment 150 world leaders from several nations are gathering at the Paris climate summit 2015. They discuss about the needed measures that has to be taken in order to keep the climate change as small as possible. What is not good about that? I have the feeling we talk like this for years already. We are worried, aware of the problem and see the climate issue easily in big perspective. But it seems so opaque that it’s hard to translate this to our own point of view- in other words; can I make the difference? And, where to start? Question marks seem to hang over the future.
In the end, there is no right answer to this, since the debate is not about social or technical stuff only. It is a combination of all, about the socio-technical system. And the collection of all people, with so many perspectives and opinions about world’s well-being, or well-being for themselves alone. Maybe this requires different communication.
And this is where the beauty of art comes in. I was delighted with the photos of Lizette Schaap that came by (see left photo above). She made a refreshing production about Consumerism about the consuming society and its consequences. The pictures do not form a story to inform you over and over again, but inspires, support and encourage you. It is a bit surrealistic, but it makes you curious.
Another example about the beauty of art and his way to communicate differently can be seen in Paris where artists turned advertisement spaces into climate change protest (see right photo above). It is an original way to communicate, since the french government banned mass gatherings in response to terrorism attacks.The posters show unpleasant truths and highlight the hypocrisy of many companies. Roles advertisements play in promoting unsustainable consumerism is challenged. It makes you think differently.
To sustain the conversation about our climate, maybe art and imagination helps us out. Otherwise it will be, like another poster tells us, Same bullshit, different conference.
http://www.lizetteschaap.com/