Art and Ecology

Convener: Amrita Gupta Singh
Artists: Indrapramit Roy, Nikhileshwar Baruah, Anupam Singh, Indrajit Prasad, Tanmoy Samanta, Bharati Kapadia, Sarita Chouhan, and Mahula Ghosh
In association with Green Peace India and Conservation Education Centre (CEC), Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai

November 25 to 30, 2007 | 10.30 am – 6.30 pm
Kashid Beach Resort, Alibaug

The topic of ecology in recognition of increasing concern about the fragility of our environment, from global warming, climate change and biodiversity loss, to concerns for animal rights or the intrinsic value of nature, is increasingly put forward by environmentalists and organizations and it is clear that the present human generation is faced with a series of unique environmental dilemmas, largely unprecedented in human history. The present human generation is the first one, for example, to have the capacity to destroy the planet many times over, while at the same time, it is also the first generation for which the natural environment cannot be taken for granted. The recent natural calamities that have destroyed populations across the globe is only but an indicator of how industrialization has depleted natural resources without a thought to our manifold ecosystems. Isn’t it time for us to review our roles vis-à-vis the environment?

A study of ecology defines relationships between an individual and their cultural, social, political, economic and natural environments and an essential link exists between observable processes in natural systems and creative processes in human beings. The arts can play a central role in providing creative insights into the challenges facing contemporary society and address environmental concerns, thereby raising awareness in and through the arts.

An art workshop/camp of one-week is proposed consisting of artists who will create paintings based on the theme of ‘Art & Ecology’ in the natural environs of the Kashid Beach Resort. An environmentalist/activist from Green Peace will be invited to discuss pertinent environmental issues with the artists, to create a network of minds expressing similar concerns. Films from the archives of Green Peace will also be shown in the camp. The art workshop/camp will be followed by a panel discussion at the Little Theatre, NCPA, consisting of artists, environmentalists and sociologists on December 21, 2007. The works completed in the camp will be shown as a slide presentation before the discussion.

Each artist will create one painting in the duration of the art camp which will be given to the MPCVA after completion. An exhibition of the artworks will also be arranged in collaboration with a city gallery.