Finance World Magazine| Edition: April 2024

Investing in ecological art goes beyond
mere financial considerations; it represents
a commitment to supporting
and promoting sustainability, conservation,
and environmental stewardship through
the creative medium. Investing in ecological
art holds immense significance:
1. Raising Environmental Awareness:
Ecological art is a powerful tool for
raising awareness about environmental
issues among the public. Through
thought-provoking artworks, artists
convey complex environmental concepts
in accessible and engaging ways, stimulating
conversations and encouraging
individuals to reconsider their relationship
with nature.
2. Advocating for Change:
Many ecological artists are passionate
advocates for environmental conservation
and social change. Their artworks often
serve as catalysts for activism, inspiring
viewers to become more engaged in
environmental advocacy efforts and to
demand action from policymakers and
industry leaders.
3. Preserving Cultural Heritage:
Ecological art often incorporates traditional
craft techniques and indigenous
knowledge, highlighting the interconnectedness
between cultural heritage
and environmental sustainability. By
investing in ecological art, individuals
can contribute to the preservation of
cultural traditions that are deeply rooted
in sustainable practices and respect for
the natural world.
4. Supporting Sustainable Practices:
Ecological artists are increasingly
incorporating sustainable materials and
methods into their creative processes,
demonstrating a commitment to reducing
their environmental footprint. By investing
in ecological art, patrons can support
artists who prioritise sustainability and
encourage the adoption of eco-friendly
practices within the art community.
5. Promoting Biodiversity Conservation:
Many ecological artists draw inspiration
from nature and ecosystems, celebrating
the beauty and diversity of the natural
world through their artworks. By investing
in ecological art, individuals can contribute
to efforts to protect biodiversity and
preserve fragile ecosystems for future
generations.
It becomes a life
that you can no
longer speak for,
defend, or nurture.
You put it out there
and it needs to
find its own way.”
Muhannad Shono
6. Creating Dialogue and Reflection:
Ecological art invites viewers to
contemplate their relationship with the
environment and to consider the ecological
implications of human activities. By
investing in ecological art, individuals
can facilitate meaningful dialogue and
introspection on environmental issues,
fostering a deeper connection to nature
and a sense of responsibility for its
protection.
A prominent example of one such initiative
is a “Forgotten Place”, a site-specific,
long-term installation unveiled in 2024,
that emerged from a deep dive into the
unexpected ecologies thriving within
Dubai’s industrial-turned-cultural hub
of Alserkal Avenue. In a city marked by
rapid urbanisation, artist Mohanned Shono
finds intrigue in the untamed pockets
of nature that have reclaimed urban
spaces. As part of A Feral Commons,
the inaugural cycle of Alserkal Advisory’s
Global Co-commission project,
Shono’s creation stands as one of three
pieces exploring the theme of climate
change. Curated by Tairone Bastien, this
series leverages public art to explore the
often-overlooked interdependence and
symbiotic relationships between humans
and the natural world.
In this installation, Shono ingeniously
utilises water condensate harvested from
12 warehouse air conditioning units to
sustain a vibrant garden of indigenous
plants. These plants, carefully selected
during the artist’s thorough explorations
of Al Quoz, are not only chosen for their
medicinal or edible properties but also
for their rich history and significance
to the region.
The installation focuses on what the
artist terms “AC ecologies,” illustrating
nature’s resilience and ability to adapt to
climate change driven by human activity.
The project aims to explore the concept of
AC ecologies and contemplate the potential
of utilising abundant yet underutilised
sources of irrigation, particularly in regions
facing water scarcity. Muhannad, a globally
recognised artist, has showcased his
work in various prestigious exhibitions,
including the citywide annual festival of
Light Noor Riyadh in 2022 and the 2022
Venice Biennale, where he represented
his country with the installation titled
“The Teaching Tree.”
By incorporating these plants into the
artwork, Shono weaves a narrative of
indigeneity and resilience, highlighting
the enduring connection between nature
and the local environment. Through this
innovative approach, Shono demonstrates
a commitment to ecological stewardship
and also showcases the transformative
potential of art in fostering a deeper
appreciation for the natural world. The
installation serves as a poignant reminder
of the profound bond between art and
nature, inviting viewers to contemplate
their relationship with the environment
and the importance of preserving local
ecosystems. Overall, Shono’s work offers
a powerful testament to the symbiotic
relationship between human creativity
and the natural world, emphasising the
role of art in promoting environmental
awareness and sustainability.
Investing in ecological art offers a unique
opportunity to support environmental
conservation, promote sustainability,
and inspire positive change.
April 2024 www.thefinanceworld.com 99