With such a drastic climate change and environmental issues, we are all aware of what and how important sustainability is! To put it simply, sustainability is the call of action for the change in the climate. And do you know what can inspire people to adopt sustainability? It is art and artists.
Various artists have shared their artwork, portraying the need of the hour – sustainability. Many artists have found a new voice through sustainability. Art and Sustainability are now branches of the same tree.
Here are some art forms that reflect eco-consciousness. Let’s dive into it!
Art and Sustainability: 7 Sustainable artforms
Kintsugi – A Japanese Craft of Upcycling
Kintsugi is an art form that involves mending crockery or pottery with gold. The message in this artform is to recycle products and to find beauty in imperfections. The introduction of the thoughtful art form Kintsugi happened in Japan in the early 15th century. It was an effort to make broken objects aesthetic.
When the military dictator returned the broken tea bowls to China, they returned with shabby metal outlines. This incident must have urged the Japanese craftsmen. And they started to beautify the broken pottery and ceramic more aesthetically. Since then, Kintsugi continues to be one of the most ecological and meaningful methods of beautifying broken articles.
Madhubani – An Ecological Ancient Art
In the kingdom of King Janak, Goddess Sita’s father, women practised Madhubani art in the efforts of worshipping and becoming one with God. It contains intricate patterns and vibrant hues. The paintings typically represent natural elements, most commonly, the fish-eye.
In the present day, women in Bihar paint the trees with this art as a way to protect them and in turn, fight environmental issues. This painting represents a very refreshing blend of art and environment.
Warli Art – Ecological and Intriguing
Warli Art is one of the most ancient paintings in India. They are inspired by trivial, daily activities. The painting resonates with the harmony between the tribes of the western ghats and nature. Warli painting involves using white paint to draw on red ochre or dark backgrounds. It is very popular for its uncanny portrayal of human figures with triangles and circles.
As Warli art uses natural materials – bricks, bamboo sticks, and rice paste, this makes it entirely eco-friendly. The materials used to create it and its representation are what makes it so intriguing and ecological!
Sustainable Fashion – Artform made with Recycling!
Even the fashion industry facilitates art and sustainability. That is why a trend called ‘closed-loop fashion’ has emerged. The clothes or products are created in such a way that at the end of their lifecycle, they are recreated to make the same product again by recycling them. This creates long-term sustainability in the clothing created. The fashion industry has now seen drastic change – from the notion of wardrobes full of new fashion to sustainably based apparel and using them until the end of their lifecycle.
Gond – Creating Awareness About Biodiversity
Gond art comes from a tribe called Gondi, in Madhya Pradesh. Consisting of nature in the painting portrays the idea of biodiversity. The vibrant colours for the painting come from cow dung, charcoal, coloured soil, and leaves, the art is completely sustainable.
Several places use Gond painting to convey the message of co-existence. To live gently as to not harm the other creatures of the world, as well as the generations to come. The walls of the Prison in Salem bear Gond art as a means of spreading awareness.
Indian Sustainable Architecture
Indian architecture has seen a massive change by introducing sustainable architecture. One of such creations is ‘green buildings’. The design of green buildings creates a scope of incorporating plantations. This not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also helps combat environmental issues. Green buildings reduce air pollution and approach climate change to a great extent.
Another sustainable practice in architecture is the concept of energy-efficient buildings. The buildings use eco-friendly designs, this makes them self-sufficient. This practice has encouraged and imparted knowledge of sustainability to the citizens.
Land Art – Evoking Importance of the Environment
Land Art is a result of the conceptual art movement, back in the 1960s-70s. Created by adopting materials from nature, land art conveys the strength and beauty of nature. The grounds of remote lands are the canvas for this art form. Robert Smithson, the father of land art has made a significant contribution to this form of art. The Spiral Jetty is one of his most renowned works.
India has its land art festival called the Gram Dhara Chitra Utsav. The festival is open to all types of performances by anyone who wishes to participate. Artists from all over India and the world come together to celebrate their art, reflect the farmer’s issues in their arts, and discuss it in great depth.
These inspiring artforms have said a million stories and convinced many to bring a change; adopt sustainability. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to give adequate attention to both art and sustainability. In other words, it is because their amalgamation has the potential to bring about a commendable change in our economy as well as society as a whole.
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