The Sierra Club put out a call to artists to "translate the tenets of the Green New Deal to help other people contextualize a reality in which sustainable, livable economies and societies are the norm." The "Art of the Green New Deal" garnered over 150 submissions from creatives of diverse backgrounds. This exciting outpouring of artists concerned with the environment was highly positive. However, writer, Ousman Cheek, believes the movement still has more room for intersectionality and the potential to "provide sources of culture shift."
Art and photo by Emily Ching
Artist, Emily Ching, submitted "The Wrapping Project" to call out wrapping paper's environmentally destructive nature. Ching's work introduces an alternative to traditional paper wrapping by providing an aesthetically pleasing option that is much less harmful to our planet. Her work also draws upon the Japanese tradition of wrapping gifts, called "furokishi." You can find out more about Emily and The Wrapping Project on her website.
Art and photo by Renae Barnard
Renae Barnard's work uses recycled materials and natural dyes to "convey texture and dimensionality that make you think of natural elements, when in reality, they're made from post-consumer waste." Barnard helps us take a closer look at society's mass consumption by offering creative alternatives to our waste sitting in landfills.
Both of these works address environmentally harmful practices while offering alternatives, which in turn, best represent the heart of the Sierra Club's initiative. "They also contain an aspect of materiality that indirectly or directly comments on the environmental harm caused by even traditional artistic supplies and mediums." Barnard and Ching creatively inspire moving toward a more sustainable society through their innovative art practices.
The Sierra Club strongly believes that integrating creatives like Ching and Barnard into discussions surrounding sustainability will create a broader public interest in the topic. Artists can offer creative solutions and progressive ideals that get people excited about saving our environment.
To read the full article by Ousman Cheek, you can find it here.