A Decade On: Remember Nature Strikes Back Against Climate Inaction
As Gustav Metzger, the renowned artist and activist, lay on the ground, an apple fell onto his head. This chance event would spark a movement that has endured for over a decade, inspiring creatives around the world to take action against climate change.
In 2015, as Metzger was nearing the end of his life, he launched "Remember Nature," a global call to artists to remind people of nature's richness and complexity. The project brought together creatives from diverse backgrounds to create artworks that would inspire hope and spark conversation about the climate crisis.
Ten years on, Remember Nature is being restaged, with a new generation of artists taking up the mantle. Cornelia Parker, Yu-Chen Wang, A Man Called Adam, Anya Gallaccio, and Paul Harfleet are among those involved in this year's edition.
Gallaccio's project involves planting apple trees with funny names, such as the "Bloody Butcher" or the "Duck's Bill." These apples have stories behind them, including the one that landed on Isaac Newton's head. Gallaccio wants children to learn about nature and develop a sense of responsibility towards it.
Meanwhile, in Liverpool, Harfleet will be dressing up as a bird and talking to people about his experiences with homophobic abuse. His project, "Birds Can Fly," aims to create conversations and spark debate about the importance of empathy and understanding.
Jo Joelson, one of the original curators of Remember Nature, says that Metzger's positive nature was key to inspiring her to restage the project. "We wanted to offer something compelling and empowering rather than doomy and gloomy," she says. "Let's use his mantra instead: go forwards, with hope!"
As the world continues to grapple with the climate crisis, Remember Nature serves as a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for inspiring change. By bringing people together and sparking conversations, artists like Metzger and those following in his footsteps are helping to create a more sustainable future.
This year's edition of Remember Nature is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and activism. As Gallaccio says, "Children's words and images are powerful because they're not as trammelled as adults." By engaging with children and empowering them to take action, we can create a better world for generations to come.
The decade on from Remember Nature has seen significant progress in the climate movement. Culture Declares and Extinction Rebellion have been among the prominent movements that have gained momentum in recent years. However, there is still much work to be done.
As Paul Harfleet says, "I hope my work will create conversations and spark debate." By using art as a platform for discussion and reflection, we can work towards creating a more sustainable future.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Remember Nature serves as a beacon of hope. By coming together and taking action, we can create positive change and inspire a better world for all.
				
			As Gustav Metzger, the renowned artist and activist, lay on the ground, an apple fell onto his head. This chance event would spark a movement that has endured for over a decade, inspiring creatives around the world to take action against climate change.
In 2015, as Metzger was nearing the end of his life, he launched "Remember Nature," a global call to artists to remind people of nature's richness and complexity. The project brought together creatives from diverse backgrounds to create artworks that would inspire hope and spark conversation about the climate crisis.
Ten years on, Remember Nature is being restaged, with a new generation of artists taking up the mantle. Cornelia Parker, Yu-Chen Wang, A Man Called Adam, Anya Gallaccio, and Paul Harfleet are among those involved in this year's edition.
Gallaccio's project involves planting apple trees with funny names, such as the "Bloody Butcher" or the "Duck's Bill." These apples have stories behind them, including the one that landed on Isaac Newton's head. Gallaccio wants children to learn about nature and develop a sense of responsibility towards it.
Meanwhile, in Liverpool, Harfleet will be dressing up as a bird and talking to people about his experiences with homophobic abuse. His project, "Birds Can Fly," aims to create conversations and spark debate about the importance of empathy and understanding.
Jo Joelson, one of the original curators of Remember Nature, says that Metzger's positive nature was key to inspiring her to restage the project. "We wanted to offer something compelling and empowering rather than doomy and gloomy," she says. "Let's use his mantra instead: go forwards, with hope!"
As the world continues to grapple with the climate crisis, Remember Nature serves as a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for inspiring change. By bringing people together and sparking conversations, artists like Metzger and those following in his footsteps are helping to create a more sustainable future.
This year's edition of Remember Nature is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and activism. As Gallaccio says, "Children's words and images are powerful because they're not as trammelled as adults." By engaging with children and empowering them to take action, we can create a better world for generations to come.
The decade on from Remember Nature has seen significant progress in the climate movement. Culture Declares and Extinction Rebellion have been among the prominent movements that have gained momentum in recent years. However, there is still much work to be done.
As Paul Harfleet says, "I hope my work will create conversations and spark debate." By using art as a platform for discussion and reflection, we can work towards creating a more sustainable future.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Remember Nature serves as a beacon of hope. By coming together and taking action, we can create positive change and inspire a better world for all.