Groundbreaking Exhibition at England’s Baltic Raises the Bar for Art in a Climate Crisis
Environmentally themed exhibitions are gaining momentum in museums and galleries worldwide, with some standing out as particularly remarkable. “Stepping Softly on the Earth” at Baltic in Gateshead is one such exhibition that not only inspires new perspectives but also signifies a significant shift in how exhibitions are conceived and presented. Featuring work by over 20 predominantly non-Western and indigenous artists, the show challenges our human-centric view and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and things. The exhibition explores the concept of a “pluriverse”, where different worlds coexist and support each other.
Curated by Irene Aristizabal, the exhibition showcases diverse artworks that highlight the unity between humans and the natural world. From earth pigment paintings to carnavalesque films reimagining Mesoamerican cosmologies, the show offers a unique lens through which to view our relationship with the environment. Artists like Shatabdi Chakrabarti and the Gidree Bawlee Foundation of Arts in Bangladesh present works that connect current communities with ancestral stories and knowledge, urging us to reconsider our interactions with nature.
The exhibition also addresses environmental issues such as eco-diversity loss and the impact of monoculture farming. Through artworks like Solmaz Daryani’s photography of Lake Urmia in Iran and Aline Baiana’s suspended sculpture highlighting the devastation caused by soybean monoculture in Brazil, the show prompts reflection on the urgent need to protect and restore our ecosystems.
“Stepping Softly on the Earth” goes beyond its artworks to embody sustainability in its presentation and installation. Through practical measures like sourcing local materials, reusing wood and carpet, and prioritizing remote communication to reduce transportation, the exhibition sets a precedent for environmentally conscious practices in the art world. Baltic’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond this exhibition, with ongoing efforts to implement green initiatives across its entire program.
In conjunction with other exhibitions like Michael Rakowitz’s “The Waiting Gardens of the North,” Baltic is leading by example in promoting environmental awareness and action in the arts. By stepping softly on the earth both metaphorically and in practice, the exhibition serves as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility we have to protect our planet for future generations.
“Stepping Softly on the Earth” is on display at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead until 14 April.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.