Painting Protests: The (Dis)Harmonious Relationship between Nature and Humans in My Art

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2022-05-03
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Abstract
Through my research creation, I aim to highlight environmental issues that are unfolding around us in real time regarding climate change and plastics pollution to enhance vigilance towards these issues. This research creation looks to increase cultural sensitivity as this is essential when it comes to advocating for environmental awareness and encouraging considerate and responsible custodianship. Such an approach as this is a means of changing discussions, challenging mindsets, and promoting positive cultural responses to climate change. A major part of my work consists of handmade masks (alike to those used by the masses during the COVID-19 pandemic) that are painted with abstract landscape images to give viewers a sense of where they could possibly end up if they are not disposed of responsibly. This highlights the disposable quality of the masks as objects and the damage they are already having on the environment. The masks and other disposable plastic items are displayed as installations aiming to directly confront viewers with the reality of environmental pollution and its negative effects on human health and the health of the ecology and the environment. My work directs people to reconsider their choices and habits when it comes to their consumption of plastics for the sake of the natural environment.
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Citation
Zhang, S. (2022). Painting Protests: The (Dis)Harmonious Relationship between Nature and Humans in My Art (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.