Activist Clare Farrell and artist Brian Eno discuss their collaboration in driving change in response to the climate emergency, emphasizing the power of art in challenging societal norms. They explore the transformative potential of art, the necessity of diverse perspectives in addressing global crises, and the importance of empathy in navigating a changing world. The conversation delves into the concept of 'hard art' and the growth of knowledge amidst distractions.
Art evokes emotions and influences perceptions, shaping societies.
Hard Art aims to mobilize creativity for societal change amidst challenges like climate change.
Deep dives
Definition of Art and the Role of Feelings
Art is defined as anything useless that people create because they enjoy it, beyond functional needs. The main purpose of such creations is to evoke stylistic pleasure and engage with different feelings. Feelings play a crucial role in decision-making and are the beginning of thinking. The conversation highlights the importance of using art to explore and experience various emotions, emphasizing that feelings shape our perceptions and play a significant role in shaping societies.
Hard Art as an Alternative Cultural Movement
Hard Art is described as a collective aimed at defibrillating people's imaginations and preparing them for a new type of society amidst environmental deterioration and democratic breakdown. The movement seeks to engage diverse individuals across various disciplines, promoting creativity and addressing societal challenges. The focus is on shifting attention towards critical issues like climate change and encouraging active participation in shaping a better future through innovative cultural initiatives.
Challenges in Art and Governance
The conversation delves into the complexities of art in governance, highlighting the need for creative approaches to governance and decision-making. It reflects on the limitations and biases within current governance structures and explores the role of art in challenging existing norms and directing attention to critical issues. The discussion emphasizes the potential for artists and creative thinkers to influence societal decision-making by engaging with emotions and redefining traditional governance models.
Empathy and Survival Skills Through Creativity
The discussion expands on empathy as a critical survival skill in a destabilized world, portraying creativity as an active survival strategy. Through engaging conversations and design interventions, individuals can cultivate empathy and compassion, essential qualities for navigating challenges and fostering resilience. The conversation underscores the role of art in creating safe spaces for exploring intense emotions, highlighting the transformative power of creativity as a means to cope with uncertainties and promote social cohesion.
Clare Farrell and Brian Eno discuss their shared commitment to mobilising change in the face of climate emergency, under the banner of an emergent movement called HardArt.