ARTI Gallery is currently the home of an environmental justice-themed art exhibit. From now until Sunday, Sept. 17, residents can experience various types of art styles from more than 25 artists all focused on conveying one theme: saving the earth. Artist TJ de Blij, known for painting the Pride mural on Samuel Snow Square, was the driving force behind this exhibit. He served as the curator and main recruiter of his peers to come together and put forth a message that they feel is relevant to everyone.
The exhibit was made possible through de Blij’s connection with Shared Habitat Earth, a group of more than 40 artists who bring climate issues to the forefront. The intent of its exhibits is to interweave art and activism, using the works as a way to inspire viewers to act, all the while keeping them grounded in their empathy and humanity. The goals of “Welcome to the Symbiocene” are no different.
The most recent geological era on the planet is known as the Anthropocene. It is defined as the period in which human activity and technological advancement had a large impact on the planet’s climate and ecosystems. De Blij feels one piece of artwork featured in the exhibit captures the negative aspect of the Anthropocene period perfectly.
“One artwork shows this big wave running to shore,” de Blij said. “People are still sunbathing, while others are noticing the wave. But if you look closer into the wave, it’s plastic soup. It’s all kinds of plastic material. It’s kind of like throwing what we’ve been throwing away back in our face.”
He also discussed the meaning of Symbiocene and why he and his fellow artists try to encourage the development of one through their exhibits.
“The next period could be called the Symbiocene,” de Blij said. “That is symbiosis, a period where we live more in harmony with nature… it’s up to mankind when we’re going to enter this phase.”
The recruitment of fellow artists came easily for de Blij, as he knew he shared a similar passion with everyone he reached out to. Some notable local participants include visual artist Mags Harries, architect, environmentalist, and artist Lisa Reindorf, and college art professor Sally B. Moore.
“Art can be a vehicle to create dialogue and conversation with people,” de Blij said. “Hopefully this exhibit can cause people to connect around this theme.”