UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE DATA THROUGH ART

Climate change data has its problems, it’s often disengaging, hard to digest and even harder to translate into positive feelings of action. Many artists are stepping in to marry data with their creativity by fusing scientific information and human connection. Recognising that people often act by heart rather than logic has seen a surge in the number of artists committed to presenting this shocking climate data while developing an emotional attachment, in hope this convinces viewers to act - now. See below for two artist who inspire us.

Courtney Mattison creates intricately detailed ceramic sculptural works inspired by the fragile beauty of coral reefs and the human-caused threats they face. Her work raises awareness for the protection of our blue planet, urging policy makers and the public to conserve our changing seas. Mattison’s delicate and large-scale ceramic sculptural installations have been commissioned for permanent collections including those of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies, the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center and private patrons.

“I’m fascinated with the borders between science

and suspicion. All the in-betweens.”

Alicja Kwade is a German contemporary visual artist. Her sculptures and installations focus on the subjectivity of time and space. Her work manipulates common materials like wood, glass and copper through chemical materials and often paired with reflections and sounds to alter the viewers perception of usual reality. Kwade explained “I’m fascinated with the borders between science and suspicion. All the in-betweens.” For her first solo public art commission in the United States, for example, Kwade installed a 16-feet-tall aluminium timepiece at the entrance to Central Park, directly opposite the storied Plaza Hotel; the clock's face moved counter clockwise while the hour and minute hands turned in the opposite direction.