The captivating and diverse manifestations of life on Earth are currently the focal point of an illuminating new art exhibition gracing the national capital. Critical Zones: In Search of a Common Ground, has attracted art enthusiasts and environmental advocates alike, aiming to stimulate reflection on the connection between humans and the world we inhabit, under the influence of non-human life.
A central theme of the exhibition is the profound impact that non-human life has had on the planet over millions of years, long before humans arrived. It sheds light on how non-human life positively transformed the Earth, only to be negatively altered in just a century by human activity. This thought-provoking showcase also explores the symbiotic relationship between living and non-living entities on our planet, highlighting the crucial importance of this relationship for Earth’s survival.
Through the astute use of maps, videos, and installations, the exhibition unveils the pivotal role played by micro-entities like algae in generating 30% of the Earth’s oxygen, as well as the contribution of traditional fishing methods in India to the preservation of mangrove forests. These impactful displays offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness first-hand the significant influence of non-human life on our planet.
The influential work of the late French philosopher Bruno Latour takes centre stage in this pioneering exhibition, which was first conceptualized at The ZKM Center for Art and Media in Germany and has now been expanded to South Asia. Latour’s belief in viewing the world as a common ground for both humans and non-humans forms the core of the exhibition, serving as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the ecological and environmental challenges facing our planet.
The exhibition’s expansion to South Asia, in collaboration with ZKM and the Goethe Institute, serves as a timely platform for the region to engage with critical questions surrounding ecological, economic, and social sustainability. This move is particularly significant given South Asia’s status as one of the most densely populated and environmentally vulnerable areas on the planet.
The concept of ‘critical zones’, as referenced in the exhibition’s title, draws attention to the thin surface of the Earth that has been shaped by various life forms over millions of years. It compellingly illustrates that all life forms, including humans, are intrinsically connected to this fragile surface, leaving no room for escape. Visitors are invited to consider Latour’s theory of a ‘new climate regime’, which intertwines ecological crises with political and cultural history and ethics, compelling them to confront the urgent need for collective action.
The powerful artworks on display serve as a poignant reminder of the need to reinvent the symbiotic relationship between humans and non-humans for the continued survival of our planet. With thought-provoking exhibits such as Sonia Mehra Chawla’s striking portrayals of the restoration of mangrove forests through traditional fishing methods, and Uriel Orlow’s evocative representation of colonial trajectories in agricultural production, visitors are given a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of all life forms.
Furthermore, the exhibition revisits the groundbreaking concept of ‘Gaia’, as introduced by English chemical engineer James Lovelock and American evolutionary biologist Lynn Margulis. This reimagining of Gaia, the ancestral mother of all life in the universe, serves as a call to action for humans to protect and enhance the habitability conditions created by diverse life forms, rather than destroy them.
In the words of the exhibition’s curator Bettina Korintenberg, this captivating showcase is designed to “recalibrate our senses, to get sensitive, and to encounter a plurality of scales, rhythms, spatiality, and temporalities made up by human and non-human assemblages.” As such, the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about our collective responsibility to find a common ground with all forms of life, enriched by the dynamic cultural landscape of India’s capital.
In conclusion, Critical Zones: In Search of a Common Ground stands as a powerful testament to the importance of recognising the intricate relationship between humans and non-humans for the continued existence of our planet. By offering a fresh perspective on this fundamental alliance, the exhibition serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and action, inspiring visitors to consider their role in preserving the delicate balance of life on Earth.
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