Recently, MHREC’s team members visited the exhibition ‘Dying Planet’ at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta.
The collection of illustrations and paintings by the London-based illustrator, designer and visual artist Daniela ‘iella’ Attard represented climate anxiety and existential dread. The exhibition was divided into three parts: The first part was a passage of fourteen paintings of the Pharaoh Hound (Kelb tal-Fenek) that portrayed the processes of ecosystem collapse; the second part: a cluster of digitally illustrated figurative characters that showed the anxiety and deterioration of climate change; and lastly part 3 – the ‘extinction wall’ was a space for the public to write or draw any thoughts or hopes for the future on a sticky note and attach it to this wall with the aim to rebuild a 2D skeleton back to its natural form. An animated video of the exhibition was also on display for people to see.
This exhibition reflected the rapid changes happening in the world due to global warming and climate change in general. Whilst visiting the exhibition, MHREC discussed the devastating effects of climate change, including the intense droughts, floods and storms. Taking into consideration the advice by the UN Secretary- General António Guterres who has urged everyone to “go into emergency mode”, MHREC discussed the different ways in which we can contribute to mitigate the effects of climate change. The need to focus on sustainability and educating people on how to live a more sustainable life were considered as two of the most important ways to contribute to a more positive future. Team members discussed other ways of helping, from walking, cycling or taking the public (now also free!) transport instead of driving a car, to switching to a plant-based diet even if it is just once a week.
MHREC’s team members also took a short test in order to calculate their carbon footprint and also understand the ways in which their daily habits can be improved in order to be more environmentally friendly! You can also take the test to see whether you’re a climate hero…or find out ways in which you can become one! https://climatehero.me/
Here is what some of the MHREC’s team members had to say about the exhibition relating to human rights:
“The art on display really showcased the dire situation we find ourselves in and found it to truly resonate with me with the undeniable flood, both metaphorical and literal, that is engulfing not only Malta but our planet. A true testament of hope mixed with despair by the London based, Maltese artist Iella” – Michael
“It was interesting to see climate change portrayed in such an artistic & creative way.” – Nicole
“Iella never fails to capture the raw emotion in all her work. She captured the despair that many of us feel yet shone a light in these dark days” – Hazel
MHREC 