Representing Climate: Art in the Anthropocene

A free event in collaboration with the universities Cambridge Climate Society (CCS), ‘Representing Climate: Art in the Anthropocene invites two artists to discuss what it means to make art in and for the Anthropocene — the epoch that some would argue we are now living in, where humans have become the most geologically influential species on the planet.

Lauren Keeley (retired artist and MPhil Anthropocene Studies student) will present on artistic practice and climate change, specifically evaluating the ways that the arts can be used as effective communicative tools to encourage discussion and environmental literacy. Such efforts, however, also entail a reconsideration of what art is—where it operates, for whom it is for, and who is involved in it's making.

Meanwhile, Nick Koenig (MPhil Anthropocene Studies with an undergraduate degree in Botany) takes us to Appalachia. The American Chestnut tree experienced great losses in the hills of Appalachia in the early 1900's having great impacts on all forms of life. In their presentation, Nick hopes to discuss the ways people are engaging creatively to express the deep loss.

This free event is to be an 'informal panel chit chat’, so please bring along your questions, artworks and ideas as we'd love to hear about them!

Tea, Coffee and vegan cake will also be provided.

Find out more about CCS here: https://www.cambridgeclimatesociety.com/