What is the role of art in the climate crisis? Four Colossal Events Explore Connections and Solutions — Colossal

Art Colossal Design Documentary
#climate crisis
July 20, 2023
Grace Ebert
« Build me a platform, high in the trees » by Nathalie Miebach. Photo by Eric Lu
At the Precipice: Responses to the Climate Crisis opened last week at the Design Museum of Chicago with a vibrant collection of works that consider what it feels like to live amidst a global emergency. Through data, colour, tactility and beauty, ten artists and collectives create accessible entry points to this increasingly pressing issue. The exhibition, curated by Colossal, includes works by Jungle aparicium, Morel-Doucet, Zaria Forma, air works, Natalie Miebach, Chris the dad, Redemptive plastics, The Storm Project, Migwa NthigaAND Jean Shin. It is visible until October 30th.
We are thrilled to announce four events as part of At the Precipice which offer deeper insight into the role of art and design in the climate crisis.

The « White Wanderer » by Luftwerk
Community Driven, Design Followed: Design Responsibility for the Future
On July 25, a conversation at the Design Museum of Chicago will bring together Bill Schleizer of the Delta Institute, the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, and Petra Bachmaier of Luftwerk to discuss the future of climate-informed design using At the Precipice as background. The speech sits on the museum’s auxiliary board Community driven, design followed speaker series.

From left: Morel Doucet, Migwa Nthiga, Chris Pappan and Justin Dwaun Redding
Artist Talk: art + climate justice
What does justice look like in the age of climate crisis? On August 30, artists Morel-Doucet, Chris the dadAND Migwa Nthiga will join the moderator Justin Dwaun Redding to talk about the links between environmental destruction and racism, how these differ across regions, and the role of art in shaping a more equitable future.
This virtual conversation is hosted by the Design Museum of Chicago and will be recorded. Register here.

Inside the Happy Returns studio
Volunteer at Happy Returns Studio
On September 16th, join us for a day of volunteering at Happy Return Workshop, headquarters of Redemptive Plastics. During this four-hour session, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the team’s innovative plastic recycling process and lend a hand in reusing household waste.
Space is limited to 16 volunteers, therefore book your place now.

A frame from ‘After Antarctica’
After Antarctica Screening at the Gene Siskel Film Center
On September 20, join us for a screening of Tasha van Zandt After Antarctica (2021). The award-winning feature-length documentary follows the life journey of famed polar explorer Will Steger as an eyewitness to the greatest changes in our planet’s polar regions. Thirty years after his historic expedition across the coldest continent on Earth, Steger is not only known for being the first in history to complete this historic feat, he is also the last.
A debate will follow the film. Tickets will be available soon.
#climate crisis