Craftivism and the Climate Crisis

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Craftivism and the Climate Crisis
by Theodore Bechlivanis \| 20-02-2020 09:58 0
Recent environmental developments have drawn increasingly larger amounts of people to join the fight for a more sustainable future. News of the Australian bushfires, of the continued contamination of marine ecosystems, and of the ever-present threat of excessive carbon emissions have flooded every single news outlet. The good thing is - this is getting people to fight back. However, not everyone is a fighter. The scene of a climate protest, complete with indignant crowds, hastily made placards, and loud chants might seem intimidating to some. These people might be there to contribute through care and moral support. Or they might be artists. Craftivism is how some artists make their voice heard: from yarn-bombing to live installations, it is a form of protest that is inherently transformative to the space it occupies. Some might dismiss it as harmless and ineffective, but that doesn't take into consideration the following points: - Craftivism allows those who aren't well versed in protests or strikes to make a statement. - It often revolves around group projects, bringing the protesters closer together. - Because craftivism projects are more often than not initiated by women artists, they have served as the way to a powerful alliance between feminist movements and the climate advocacy scene. - It deconstructs the idea that strike spaces are bleak. It raises morale and brings the protesters closer together, maximizing their efficiency. When it doesn't take place at the same space as a conventional form of protest, craftivism can be found in galleries and other exhibition venues, cementing it as a standalone form of climate action. Even in the most urgent of times, we must not forget that art is an inseparable part of our culture, and has always been an invaluable tool for change. It is used to inspire, to motivate, and to even jolt awake the few of us who haven't yet grasped the gravity of the climate situation; and it can even serve as a way to vent one's frustrations and the rising phenomenon of climate grief.

Dormant user Theodore Bechlivanis