Art4You takes creative pledge for planet with eco-conscious event
The event was held under the curatorial direction of Jesno Jackson, supported by Rengi Cherian. 'It is a statement, a call to action, and a celebration of the Earth through the eyes and hands of artists,' they said. 'With a strong focus on sustainable materials, eco-friendly practices, and community collaboration, we aim to bridge the gap between creativity and conservation.'
An innovative highlight was the Eco-Friendly Live Art segment, where artists painted on custom-designed, cactus-shaped, wooden panels. The boards were symbolic representations of the UAE's resilient desert ecosystem, where life thrives against odds.
Artists share space and works.
'The cactus, a hardy and resourceful plant, mirrors the strength of Nature and stands as a metaphor for sustainability and adaptation,' said Jesno. 'Artists are being encouraged to interpret its symbolism by drawing inspiration from renowned and legendary nature-centric painters like Georgia O'Keeffe, Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, George Seurat, Thomas Cole, Gustave Klimt, Henri Rousseau, Winslow Homer and Vincent van Gogh, while using non-toxic, earth-friendly art supplies and wooden materials.'
The initiative, while promoting sustainable art practices, challenged creators to consider the environmental impact of even their tools and mediums. The choice of wood, sourced responsibly and shaped strikingly, was a conscious effort to minimise waste and highlight how even the act of creating, could support conservation. 26 talented artists painted live, bringing the themes of sustainability and Nature to life, through their brushes. Each artist contributed their individual perspective and style, transforming eco-friendly materials into vibrant visual stories.
Sarri Tolarba's artwork.
The live art segment featured contributions from Maria Aamer, Bhumika Maniyar, Asma Syed, Parvin Fathi, Maria Komal Abie, Parisa Keramati, Sophie Bekmurzaeva, Mozhgan Afrisham, Mehboobeh Shanavas, Sofiia Babina, Shakiba Rabiei, Alzbeta Znamenska, Elyazia Aljassmi, Hanieh Hoseini, Roya Vahidi, Jaimee Felysse Reyes, Jesno Jackson, Chitra Sidhakaran, Shelina Khimji, Noreen Wahab, Thomas Antony, Viktorija Zujeva, Zara Bekmurzaeva, Sarri Tolarba, Ariella Livshits and Lama Lahham. They strove to echo the core message of the occasion and to reconnect with Nature and champion sustainability through art.
Running parallel was the serene Nature Jewel water colour session. Here, selected artists used water colour, a medium praised for its low environmental footprint, to portray the fragile and vibrant beauty of what is perhaps Nature's Jewel – the pomegranate. Water, as both element and inspiration, became the bridge between artist and subject. The session opened doors for a deep dive into the natural world's interconnectedness, underscoring the urgency of preserving what we often take for granted in our daily lives.
Jesno, who is also Art4You's co-founder and an artist who combines art, education and environmental advocacy, said that 'this event was a way to give back to the Earth through the very process of creating. We are not just showcasing art; we are showcasing responsibility, connection, and purpose.' She believes that creativity has the power to shape values, influence attitudes, and create ripple effects across communities. From sourcing sustainable display materials to partnering with local eco-conscious collaborators, Jesno and the Art4You team curated each element and input with the environment in mind. The event also supported green partnerships, educational outreach and encouraged dialogue on climate awareness, through visual storytelling.
Jesno Jackson at work.
The significance of the event was further amplified by the presence of supportive media partners – The Sustainable Times, DXB News Network, GCC News, DXB24LIVE, CBH Times, She The Leader, Middle East Bulletin and also Art4You Magazine, who helped to reach the message of sustainability and creativity to a wider audience through thoughtful coverage and real-time storytelling. The event was also graced by the presence of VIP guests and dignitaries - Claudia Pinto, Bhumika Maniyar, Peter Farrington, Anna Koterla & Lumeya ESG Solutions and Chandra Goyal, whose support reinforced the cultural and environmental value of the initiative. As a meaningful gesture aligned with the event's eco-conscious vision, The Green Revolution joined as the official Sustainability Partner, supporting the initiative by gifting potted plants to the participants and guests.
The 'green gesture' not only symbolised growth, renewal and built a personal connection to Nature, but also strengthened the importance of incorporating sustainable practices into everyday life. Their contributions added a live element to the celebration, since it allowed everyone take home a piece of Nature, reminding them of their role in protecting the planet. The engagement and encouragement inspired both artists and attendees, highlighting the vital role of collective leadership in promoting art with purpose.
Parvin Fathi with her artwork.
'In a world grappling with environmental challenges, art is emerging as a powerful voice in the call for change,' Renji Cherian said. 'With such initiatives, Art4You Gallery reinforces its ongoing commitment to environmental awareness and cultural sustainability. Save Our Environment is a creative ecosystem, where art becomes advocacy, and artists become ambassadors of change. As we celebrate World Environment Day, Art4You invites everyone to reflect, respect and reimagine our environment, because saving the Earth starts with how we see it, speak of it, and paint it.'
An AI Overview says that 'environmental art, also known as eco-art, uses artistic practices to address environmental issues and promote sustainability. It encompasses a wide range of approaches, including raising awareness about climate change, encouraging conservation, and promoting dialogue about our relationship with nature. Eco-art often utilises natural or sustainable materials.'
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