Can Art Save the Planet?

Sunflowers reaching for a polluted sky. Sculptures crafted from plastic waste. Paintings whispering of lost rainforests. Eco-art stuns us with its beauty and confronts us with an urgent message: we must protect our environment.

But beneath the surface of these captivating creations lies a complex question, 'can the buying and selling of eco-art truly be ethical?'

Vik Muniz, Paisagem, 2012/2019. C-Print mounted on aluminum. 20 x 24 inches.

There's no doubt about eco-art's power to raise awareness. Chris Jordan's haunting "Midway" series features photographs of albatross chicks filled with plastic debris, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of pollution on wildlife. Vik Muniz's portraits, meticulously crafted from recycled materials, transform trash into thought-provoking pieces, prompting viewers to question their relationship with waste. These works serve as powerful calls to action, igniting conversations and sparking a sense of urgency around environmental issues.

However, the very act of commodifying environmentalism raises concerns. Eco-artworks can become status symbols for the wealthy, a way to signal virtue without addressing the root causes of environmental degradation. Does the hefty price tag of an eco-artwork translate into real action? Does it empower communities who need to address problems affecting the environment?

Pascale Marthine Tayou, Always All Ways. Exhibition view Courtesy Galleria Continua San Gimignano / Beijing / Le Moulin. Photo Blaise Adilon Adagp 2020

Even the creative process itself can raise ethical considerations. Large-scale installations might require significant energy or materials to create, potentially negating the artwork's positive message. Imagine a powerful eco-sculpture made from recycled plastic, but its construction process utilizes vast amounts of energy, raising questions about its true environmental impact.

So, how can we navigate the complexities of buying and selling in the eco-art market? Here are some very important pointers

1. Research the Artist

Look beyond captivating visuals. Does the artist source their materials sustainably? Do they partner with environmental organizations? Understanding an artist's practices and commitments allows you to make informed decisions about the art you support.

2. Look Beyond the Artwork

Consider the bigger picture. Does the sale of the artwork contribute to a larger environmental cause?Are there any charitable components woven into the price tag? Look for artists and galleries that are transparent about where the money goes.

Daylin Paul, A student walks through Embalenhle township near Secunda with the Sasol Synfuels Plant in the background. 2015

3. Consider Your Purchase

Can your support empower a community or raise awareness for a critical issue? Perhaps a particular artwork benefits a local conservation project or highlights a specific environmental threat. Choose pieces that go beyond aesthetics and contribute to positive change.

4. Pay Artists Fairly and Promptly

Artists deserve fair compensation for their work. When purchasing directly from the studio or through a gallery, and when commissioning installations, performances, or presentations, pay them promptly and fairly. When lending artworks for exhibitions at institutions, advocate for artist fees to be included. "Visibility" is not proper compensation.

Ethiopian photographer Aïda Muluneh was commissioned to create a body of work highlighting water scarcity

5. Avoid Free or Discounted Artworks

Requesting heavily discounted pieces from galleries or artists can be exploitative. They may feel pressured to accept a low price for fear of losing your long-term support. In an institutional role, avoid accepting such benefits to prevent the perception of favoritism.

6. Reject Artwashing

Supporting the arts is commendable, but don't use it for self-promotion. Avoid using art institutions or exhibitions solely to enhance your personal or corporate image. This practice, known as "artwashing," undermines the genuine message of the artwork.

Ifeoma Anyaeji, Sit with me( 2018)

7. Make Your Collection Accessible

Artworks serve a public purpose. Consider lending them for exhibitions or activating them digitally when possible. By making these pieces accessible to a wider audience, you can amplify their message and spark broader conversations.

8. Keep the Artist Informed

Artists retain moral authorship even after selling a piece. Keep them informed about the artwork's location and exhibition history. Consult them regarding loans, resales, and proper care of the work. This shows respect for their ongoing connection to their creation.

Serge Attukwei Clottey installation view, Everyday Myth: Survival and Sustenance, Ever Gold [Projects], San Francisco, 2018.

9. Respect the Role of Galleries

Galleries play a vital role in supporting artists. Don't bypass them to purchase directly. Conversely, support galleries that treat artists ethically and provide them with fair representation and compensation.

10. Avoid Market Manipulation

Don't engage in practices that inflate art prices or pressure artists and institutions. The art market should be fair for all stakeholders.

Mbongeni Buthelezi's artwork for Standard Bank. Part of a Jozi My Jozi initiative. Photo: Anthea Pokroy

Eco-art has the potential to be a powerful tool for positive change. By approaching it with a critical eye and a commitment to ethical consumption, both as viewers and collectors, we can ensure that art truly serves the planet it seeks to save. The next time you encounter a piece of eco-art, take a moment to consider the message behind the materials. It might just be the spark that ignites a beautiful revolution.