This show asserts that to be human in the world today is to bear witness to interconnected crises, to feel the past catching up even as the present speeds toward uncertain possible futures. Our rapidly changing climate, declining biodiversity, and multiple ecocides and genocides are an interconnected polycrisis unfolding. What do these entangled violences reveal to us? When crises threaten to overwhelm, how do we find the means and resolve to respond with alternative futures?

Join FOREST FOR TREES for an Artist Talk celebrating the work of artists in their opening show, “What Is Environmental Art!”

Themes we’ll be discussing include transcorporality, materiality, Indigenous-led environmental movements, and the politics of play.

Our opening show’s title is “WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL ART?”. Our title is intentionally open-ended so artists (and visitors) might challenge and expand our relationship to environmental art. Is it pastoral? Is it doomsday? Can it be pop/punk/smart/funny? What is environmental art’s relationship to space and place and community? For this show, we envision bright colors, transcorporeality, and multi-media responses. 

We’re honored to curate exhibitions at the Climate Imaginarium on Governors Island, as part of a residency currently slated for May-November 2024. Colonel’s Row, House 406 - you’ll find us on the second floor! When you visit us, you’ll be able to explore additional exhibits and workshops on the first floor…including Climate Imaginarium artists, Climate Cafe, and others!

Our show opens to the public on May 18th, and will include an open gallery from 12-5PM with drinks available by donation throughout. In attendance, we anticipate leading environmental organizations, climate change educators, arts organizations, gallery and museum representatives, and New York City artists.