Art is no longer confined to galleries and studios, it’s stepping into a new role on the world stage, joining science and politics in the conversation about our planet’s future. What once seemed like an unlikely alliance is now gaining recognition: artistic expression is becoming a meaningful part of global environmental efforts. One example is the cultural program of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), which opened on June 9 in Nice, France.
At the heart of the conference lies the exhibition “Becoming Ocean”, showcasing work from over 20 artists who tackle the urgent issues facing the world’s oceans. With themes centered on care and collective action, these pieces aim to spark dialogue and inspire change—not just among the public, but also among scientists, experts, and decision-makers.
A highlight of the exhibition is “Specimens of Time, Hoh Rain Forest, 2025” by Maya Petric, a prize-winning interactive artwork presented through the Digital Art Awards. The piece consists of illuminated glass cubes that change color in real time, reacting to live temperature data from the Hoh Rain Forest in Washington. Petric’s work poses a haunting question: “How will we remember the natural world once it’s no longer here?”
A Longstanding Relationship with Nature
The connection between nature and art goes back centuries. Whether through Turner’s sweeping landscapes, Constable’s skies, or Richard Long’s interventions in the land, artists have long drawn attention to the power and beauty of the natural world. Joseph Beuys made a profound statement with “7,000 Oaks”, a project that involved planting thousands of oak trees across urban spaces. His work suggested that nature itself can serve as both a symbol of endurance and a source of reflection.
Similarly, Olafur Eliasson’s 2018 installation “Ice Watch London” brought large ice blocks from Greenland to the streets of London, offering a direct and visceral experience of the climate crisis. The melting icebergs made an abstract issue heartbreakingly real for passersby.
Art as a Living Response to Crisis
Unlike policy, art doesn’t require approval. It acts instantly, speaks to the senses, and moves people in ways that facts alone often cannot. Through its emotional impact, art helps us feel connected to the planet, not just as observers, but as part of the living world.
In today’s rapidly changing climate, creative expression can do more than reflect reality, it can inspire a shift in how we think, feel, and act. As a bridge between knowledge and emotion, between data and empathy, art is proving to be an essential part of the global response to the environmental crisis.
