Arts & Ecology

The Art of Crocheting to Save the Great Barrier Reef

A storm has been brewing among ecologically-aware crocheters across America, who have joined forces to create a hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef. Initiated at the Institute for Figuring, this collaborative work is designed to draw attention to the Australian Great Barrier Reef’s demise as a result of rising sea temperatures and pollution. So far, the exhibit spans 3000 square metres, including undulating corals, ruffled sponges, kelps and slugs, and is still growing. Scientists have warned that the current threat from global warming and pollutants could lead to the Reef’s destruction within 30 years - so urgent action is needed. Started in Los Angeles by sisters Margaret and Christine Wertheim, the project has spread across America, involving crocheting groups, scientists, mathematicians and artists. It has been found that the hyperbolic coral forms represent a natural manifestation of non-Euclidian geometry, thought until recently to exist only as an abstract concept. In this way, the 'conceptual enchantment' of the project weaves together craft, science and the environment.

Greenwashing in Turin

Tue Greenfort Untitled, 2008 modified Eurobins

Arts & Ecology recently made a trip to Turin for the opening of Greenwashing at the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo which has been curated by Ilaria Bonacossa and Latitudes (Max Andrews and Mariana Cánepa Luna). It is the concluding project of a year long programme at the Fondazione tied to the environment.

25 international artists were invited to participate in Greenwashing, including some familiar faces to the Arts & Ecology project; Lara Almarcegui, Maria Thereza Alves, Jennifer Allora & Guillermo Calzadilla, Tue Greenfort, Cornelia Parker, Tomas Saraceno and Sergio Vega.

Among the highlights were The Bruce High Quality Foundation’s ironic demonstration of alternative energy sources in the form of wired up citrus fruits in the guise of BP's logo which in time exposed itself as a health hazard and Chu Yun’s collection of defunct outdated technologies whose stand-by buttons were winking in the dark in a sedate yet sinister fashion - last year the government announced that stand-by switches will be outlawed in the UK

If you are able to get to Greenwashing you won’t be disappointed - this is undoubtedly the seminal exhibition of artists who are reflecting, responding and challenging the state of our planet.