Latest news with #environmentalart
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
A ‘Thinker' drowns in plastic as protest sculpture highlights pollution during UN treaty talks
GENEVA, Aug 5 — A replica of Auguste Rodin's famous sculpture The Thinker outside the United Nations headquarters was being slowly submerged in plastic rubbish yesterday as countries gathered in a bid to finalise a global treaty on plastic pollution. The sculpture will slowly disappear under layer upon layer of bottles, toys, fishing nets and other garbage during the 10 days of talks starting today, aimed at sealing the first international accord to tackle plastic pollution. Six metres tall, the artwork, entitled The Thinker's Burden, is being constructed by the Canadian artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong. He hopes it will strike a chord with diplomats from the UN's 193 members and make them think about 'the health impacts of plastic pollution: not just on our generation, but on all future generations', Von Wong told AFP. Sitting on a representation of Mother Earth, this Thinker holds crushed plastic bottles in one hand and looks down at a baby held in the other. Part of an artwork by Canadian artist, activist, and photographer Benjamin Von Wong entitled 'The Thinker's Burden' a 6-metre-tall sculptural remix of Rodin's iconic Thinker, which is being created for the Plastics Treaty negotiations is seen in front of the United Nations Offices in Geneva on August 4, 2025. — AFP pic 'Over the course of the next 10 days, we're going to be slowly adding more and more plastic to this art installation to show the growing cost that is being passed on to future generations,' Von Wong said. 'If you want to protect health, then we need to think about the toxic chemicals that are entering our environment,' he said. 'We need to think about limits on plastic production. We need to think about a strong, ambitious plastics treaty.' Well over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, half of which is for single-use items. While 15 per cent of plastic waste is collected for recycling, only nine per cent is actually recycled. Nearly half, 46 per cent, ends up dumped in landfills, while 17 per cent is incinerated and 22 per cent is mismanaged and becomes litter. An artwork by Canadian artist, activist, and photographer Benjamin Von Wong entitled 'The Thinker's Burden' a 6-metre-tall sculptural remix of Rodin's iconic Thinker, which is being created for the Plastics Treaty negotiations is seen in front of the United Nations Offices in Geneva on August 4, 2025. — AFP pic In 2022, countries agreed to find a way to address the crisis by the end of 2024, but a fifth round of talks in December last year in Busan, South Korea, failed to overcome fundamental differences. Plastics break down into bits so small that not only do they find their way throughout the ecosystem but into human blood and organs, recent studies show, with largely unknown consequences. — AFP
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Renowned Artist Yuan Xikun Honors Heroic Narcotics Detection Dog with Sculpture for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
BEIJING, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclaimed Chinese artist and sculptor, inaugural United Nations "Artistic Master for the Environment" Yuan Xikun, renowned for his environmental advocacy and animal-themed art, has unveiled a commemorative sculpture of a highly decorated narcotics detection dog named "Jijunxing," (nickname "Niuniu"), who served with distinction on China's front lines. The fight against drugs, safeguarding public health and security, traces a pivotal moment to Lin Zexu (1785-1850)'s historic 1839 opium destruction – an act that inspired the national fight against drugs. "For 185 years, China's resolve to combat drugs, safeguarding public welfare, national dignity, and progress, remains unrelenting," said Yuan Xikun. "This sculpture honors all frontline defenders, human and canine, who shield society from the scourge of drugs." Jijunxing, a Belgian Malinois, served diligently for eight years with the Dehong Border Management Detachment in Southwest China's Yunnan province. Her remarkable career included assisting in cracking 137 criminal cases, apprehending 66 suspects, and detecting over 80 kilograms of various illegal narcotics. She and her handler won multiple national awards, and in 2003, the National Immigration Administration named her one of the inaugural "Meritorious Dogs." Yuan Xikun formally presented the sculpture to the Dehong Border Management Detachment. Zhou Zhou, Jijunxing's handler, attended the unveiling ceremony at Beijing Jintai Art Museum and will transport the artwork back to the detachment for permanent display. "This transcends art – it stands as an enduring symbol of spirit," stated Zhou Zhou. "It will inspire all handlers and detection dogs to serve our sacred anti-drug cause with heightened resolve and excellence. Its presence embodies our unswerving commitment – loyal guardianship without fail, and relentless dedication to our mission." Reflecting his belief in interconnectedness, Jijunxing is not the first canine subject of Yuan Xikun's art. "From search-and-rescue missions to narcotics detection and intercepting wildlife trafficking, these dogs serve as humanity's unspoken allies," Yuan Xikun emphasized. "They guard human lives, property, and our ecosystem's integrity – silent partners in preserving biological security for all species." "Their dedication compels us to advance animal welfare, strengthen legal safeguards, and further China's ecological civilization achievements – fostering a world where humans and animals coexist in harmony." He added. Globally recognized as the artist receiving the highest number of honorary medals from foreign presidents and prestigious cultural awards for his sculptures, Yuan Xikun calls himself a "son of nature". He stands among China's pioneering artists to publish authoritative volumes on animal painting techniques and illustrative albums. Yuan Xikun feels an irresistible drive to create animal imagery, using his art as a powerful voice for conservation. For Yuan Xikun, "using art to serve environmental protection is not only an artist's responsibility but also an inseparable part of the pursuit of noble art." Renowned music producer Qing Shan, grandnephew of China's national anthem composer Nie Er (1912-1935), composed the song "Silent Partner" as a tribute, inspired by viewing Yuan Xikun's sculpture of Jijunxing. Grace Ge Gabriel, Senior Advisor on Asia Affairs for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), said, "From shielding elephants and tigers from illegal trade to confronting threats of climate change, Master Yuan Xikun has pioneered the fusion of art and conservation. His tribute to Jijunxing powerfully reminds us that humans and animals share a common destiny. These silent guardians deserve our deepest respect and protection. When we uphold the dignity of animals, we build a more compassionate world for all." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Beijing Jintai Art Museum Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Vogue
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Art Partner unveils the 2025 Earth Partner Prize
Art Partner has unveiled the 2025 Earth Partner Prize—an international competition dedicated to empowering young people to take impactful action in response to the climate emergency. Submissions open on Wednesday, June 11, and close at 23:59 CET on Friday, October 10. Young creatives between the ages of 14 and 30, from all backgrounds and identities, are encouraged to present original works that reflect on environmental and social challenges facing the planet. Entries are welcome across a broad spectrum of formats, including but not limited to visual storytelling, experimental or documentary film, live or recorded performance, poetry, sound and music, fashion innovation, digital tools, choreography, multimedia, and social media campaigns. Applicants may interpret topics such as species extinction, environmental equity, disinformation by polluting industries, Indigenous knowledge systems, sustainable materials, ecosystem protection, plastic overconsumption, grassroots resistance, waste transformation, climate anxiety, economic structures, and ancestral ecological wisdom. Eight winners will receive monetary awards of $10,000, $5,000, or $2,000. An additional twenty participants will earn special recognition from a distinguished international jury, to be revealed later this summer. All selected finalists and honorable mentions will have their work presented in an online showcase hosted by and and promoted through Art Partner's social media channels. Moreover, their projects will be considered for inclusion in future editions of the Earth Partner Exhibition—an evolving physical show that has appeared at venues such as the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Fotografiska Shanghai during Shanghai Climate Week, and Photo London 2024, with a forthcoming presentation scheduled at Borgo Laudato Si' in Vatican City during the 2025 Jubilee. Through the Earth Partner Prize, Art Partner seeks to involve young people in discussing environmental matters by offering a high-visibility platform for emerging talent—especially from underrepresented communities.
