In this thought-provoking discussion, artist Zadie Xa shares her captivating sound piece that intertwines inherited wisdom and the voices of grandmothers and whales. The Climate Symphony group, composed of innovative creators, elaborates on their work translating data from fossil fuel extraction into a powerful auditory experience. Topics range from the significance of matriarchal wisdom in human and orca societies to the urgent need for artistic intervention in climate narratives. The conversation beautifully blends art, ecology, and the quest for a more empathetic future.
Empathy and interconnectedness among all species can reshape societal views, particularly on aging and the shared purpose of survival.
Creative expression through art is essential for addressing ecological crises, fostering emotional engagement in understanding environmental issues.
Deep dives
Empathy and Survival in the Natural World
Empathy is emphasized as a fundamental quality that connects all living beings, both sentient and non-sentient, in their shared purpose of survival. The discussion encourages a shift away from an anthropocentric worldview, suggesting that recognizing the interconnectedness of various species can lead to deeper understanding and compassion. By considering the lives of other creatures, like orcas and their matriarchal family structures, one can appreciate the value of wisdom passed down through generations. This perspective challenges society's narrow view of aging, particularly for women, by highlighting the importance of experienced figures in both human and animal societies.
The Role of the Arts in Environmental Advocacy
The podcast explores how creative expression, particularly through the arts, plays a vital role in addressing environmental crises and shifting cultural narratives. At a recent conference titled 'We Make Tomorrow,' artists created performances that opened avenues for understanding complex ecological issues through immersive experiences rather than traditional informational formats. These performances served as a means of emotional and cognitive engagement, creating a 'group therapy' atmosphere that confronted ecological grief. This interaction between art and activism underscores the potential of creative practices to reframe the discourse surrounding environmental stewardship.
Sound as a Medium for Environmental Awareness
Sound is presented as an innovative medium for communicating environmental issues, exploring both the impact of human activity on nature and the inherent music of the natural world. Artists like Cosmo Sheldrake capture sounds from their environment to create multi-layered compositions that reflect the polyphonic nature of life and promote greater awareness of ecological interdependence. The discussion highlights how sound can evoke a visceral connection to the environment and challenge listeners to perceive and engage with nature in new ways. By emphasizing the richness of sound in reflecting complex realities, the podcast advocates for a more holistic approach to understanding and acting on climate issues.
What are artists’ roles in knowing or making tomorrow? What are alternative ways of knowing our planet? Victoria Sin and Lucia Pietroiusti return to their roots of General Ecology, with conversations recorded at a summit organised by creative sustainability charity Julie's Bicycle. Featuring Alison Tickell, Zadie Xa, Climate Symphony and Cosmo Sheldrake, with new sound pieces from Zadie Xa and Cosmo Sheldrake. Image credit: Zadie Xa, Moon Poetics 4: Courageous Earth Critters and Dangerous Day Dreamers (2020).
This episode is supported by Outset Partners’ Grant and was produced by Katie Callin at Reduced Listening.
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