Experience art and climate histories in Carolina Park
Julia Lohmann will introduce her practice-led research into biomaterials and the ethics and value systems underpinning human-nature relationships. Photo: Petr Krejci
How was climate change tackled in the past? Can we learn anything from history? From 19 to 21 August, 13 art interventions will be on display in Carolina Park on the theme Climate Histories. For three days, the park will be a meeting place for artists, researchers and the public.
Anneli Ekblom, professor at the Department of Archaeology, Ancient History and Conservation at Uppsala University. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Everyone interested is welcome to participate in artistic events, creative workshops and book presentations in Carolina Park on Tuesday and Wednesday evening and on Thursday.
“We hope to see many visitors and are open to the public. We have four food trucks on site and perhaps this will also attract people who do not usually seek out art or science,” says Anneli Ekblom, professor at the Department of Archaeology, Ancient History and Conservation at Uppsala University.
The art activities coincide with an international conference, the 13th European Society for Environmental History Conference, which will bring together more than 600 participants.
Storytelling an important tool
The theme of both the conference and the artistic programme is Climate Histories. The focus is on exploring contemporary and historical experiences of living with climate change.
“Different forms of storytelling are an important tool for us environmental historians, so the step to artistic creation is not so far,” Ekblom comments.
She has been researching and teaching environmental history for many years and believes in the power of storytelling when it comes to climate change.
“I know that moral messages on how to live are not enough, nor are raw facts and science, they are more likely to sap our capacity to act and make us feel powerless.”
Existential issues
Many people today live with climate anxiety, not least students whom Ekblom has met in her classes.
“I hope that the art installations can also lead to conversations about existential issues, about powerlessness but also about feeling hope.”
Can we learn from history?
“Yes, to some extent. Climate change has always existed, but there has been preparedness in society. Now it comes as a surprise every time we are hit by extreme weather. We believe we have built the unpredictability of nature away. On top of this, the effects of global warming are now creating even greater unpredictability. Nonetheless, we can learn from past crisis management strategies and recycle old solutions.”
Drop-in workshops
Two of the artists are Julia Lohmann and Signe Johannessen, who will hold drop-in workshops. Together with Erik Rören, Johannessen will build the sculpture Solastalgia Pangolin, which they will live in during the conference.
“The process of construction itself will be part of the artwork and it will grow over time. She wants to create a hopeful home castle to feel safe in.”
Still image from the video work Prey/Pray by artist Signe Johannessen.
No prior registration is required to take part in the programme – you just turn up at Carolina Park. The location has been chosen with care, say Ekblom and curator Nicole Miller.
“Carolina Park was one of Sweden’s first public parks. We think it is a little underutilised. Here we can use our history to create a meeting point between society, academia and art.”
Annica Hulth
Art activities on the theme of climate histories
- Under the theme Climate Histories, 13 art interventions, 6 workshops and several book presentations are planned, as well as the conference keynote speech. Artists, researchers and the general public are invited. Food will be served from a collection of food trucks. In addition, there are exhibits from the Uppsala Peace Museum aimed at young people.
- The events are taking place in Carolina Park and in the main building on the English Park Campus.
- The 13th European Society for Environmental History Conference will run in parallel, with 611 participants in place and 100 online participants.
- Uppsala University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University have joined forces to plan the conference and its associated activities. The Nordic Culture Fund and World Class Uppsala are sponsoring the surrounding activities and Uppsala Art Museum has provided practical support.