In an era marked by the far-reaching repercussions of climate change, Africa finds itself grappling with its profound ramifications, bearing a disproportionate burden due to its unique geographical positioning, economic complexities, and limited capacity. The continent is now grappling with an intensified frequency of droughts, floods, and other erratic weather patterns, compounding preexisting vulnerabilities and placing the livelihoods of countless individuals at stake. The imprint of climate change is starkly evident in disrupted agricultural systems, a precarious food security landscape, all while the intricate tapestry of biodiversity and ecosystems faces unprecedented jeopardy.
Amidst this crucible of challenges, an inspiring narrative unfolds as African artists step onto the forefront as catalysts for change. Harnessing creative expression, artists have embarked on a mission to spotlight the harrowing realities of climate change and kindle a call to action within both local communities and the global arena. Through their endeavours, African artists are not only thrusting the crisis to the forefront of collective consciousness but also underscoring the transformative potential of art as a potent instrument for driving societal metamorphosis. In this article, we round up a handful of artists across the continent who emerge to respond to the climate crisis.
Banji Chona, Zambia
Banji Chona's work is guided by the intricate interactions within the community where she lives and the richness of living organisms around her. The artist draws inspiration from the Indigenous Tonga, Tokaleya, and Lozi peoples' and their profound relationship with the environment which spans across millennia. Chona's canvas echoes the heart of village life such as the homesteads crafted using sustainable principles derived from vernacular Zambian architecture – she masterfully intertwines plant-based elements like wooden poles and dried grass with clay (such as musila, a red ochre) and livestock byproducts, like cow dung.
Her research finds that foreign influence has redefined Indigenous communities' relationship with the earth and natural ecosystems, not only in the southern province, where the artist lives, but across Zambia. Chona's work rekindles the fading flames of Indigenous roots and challenges the impact of foreign imposition—a testament to her role as a transformative agent in reshaping cultural narratives and nurturing environmental harmony. At the core of her practice is the exploration of and dialogue between ancestral Zambia, present-day and projected Future(s).
Matriarchs Chlorophyll Printing Series in Process. Simonga 2023. Courtesy the artist.
Aïda Muluneh, Ethiopia
Aïda Muluneh has etched a profound mark with her thought-provoking "Water Life" series, a testament to her dedication in addressing climate and water concerns. In this captivating collection of photographs, Muluneh crafts a visual narrative that delves into the intricate interplay between humanity and the critical element of water. Through her lens, Muluneh encapsulates the vitality and scarcity of water, inviting viewers to reflect on its profound importance in our lives. The series unfolds like a visual poetry, using vivid hues and striking compositions to underscore the fragility of this precious resource. Each frame resonates with the urgent call to action, highlighting the dire consequences of climate change on water availability.
Moreover, "Water Life" transcends the realm of mere environmental documentation. Muluneh skillfully weaves cultural symbols and indigenous elements, emphasising the intricate link between water and cultural identity. This approach amplifies her message, uniting ecological concerns with the preservation of heritage.
Aïda Muluneh, (Water Life Series), 2018, 80 x 80 cm. Image courtesy of Artnet
Pascale Marthine Tayou, Cameroon
Pascale Marthine Tayou stands as a prominent contemporary African artist, renowned globally for his exhibitions in esteemed institutions. His artistic journey found its initial prominence within Doual'art, a Cameroonian arts NGO dedicated to African urbanism. At the heart of Tayou's creative ethos lies the ingenious transformation of disposable materials collected during his travels—ranging from train tickets to plastic razors—into resonant art pieces.
Central to his oeuvre is the concept of "recycling the banal." Through the lens of waste plastic, Tayou addresses multifaceted themes, including Africa's plastic pollution, economics, migration, and politics. The 1990s witnessed his exploration of the socio-economic dimensions of HIV/AIDS in Africa. However, in more recent times, his artistic focus has shifted, as evidenced by his large-scale installations crafted from discarded plastic. These awe-inspiring creations not only spotlight Africa's pressing environmental crisis but also extend beyond the narrative of victimhood, urging urban African youth to introspect and shape their choices toward a sustainable environmental future.
Tayou's trajectory is marked by an evolution from socio-economic commentaries to an urgent call for environmental consciousness. His art serves as a compelling mirror reflecting both the challenges faced by Africa and the potential for transformative action, casting him as a guiding force for a generation poised to mould Africa's environmental destiny.
Pascale Marthine Tayou, Plastic Tree, 2014/2015 Art Basel
Ifeoma U. Anyaeji, Nigeria
Nigerian artist Ifeoma U. Anyaeji, born in Benin City, shapes her distinctive "neo-traditional" art by transforming waste plastic into intricate sculptures and accessories. Inspired by the African tradition of recycling, she elevates discarded plastic bags into "high art" materials, infusing them with new life. Her work, while rooted in tradition, also carries a feminist discourse, highlighting the struggles African women artists face. Anyaeji's sculptures, often using plastic as hair, draw from the African tradition of hair braiding, fostering a dialogue around material culture.
Recently featured at Tramway, Scotland, Anyaeji stands as a mid-career artist making waves with her plasto-art. Employing non-biodegradable plastics, her mosaics of plastic bottle tops and woven "yarns" utilise traditional Nigerian techniques like threading, basketry, and fabric-weaving. These labour-intensive methods, often overlooked in contemporary settings, infuse her work with unique resonance. Through her colourful baubles and intricate sculptures, Ifeoma U. Anyaeji captures tradition, environmental consciousness, and feminist narratives in a tapestry of creativity.
Ifeoma U. Anyaeji, Kù fa àkùpè (Fan them), Image of Galleria Primo Marella
Daylin Paul, South Africa
Photographer Daylin Paul clinched the 2017 Ernest Cole Award with his powerful project "Broken Land," spotlighting the untold side of power dynamics. Set in Mpumalanga, a region hosting 46% of South Africa's fertile soil, the project casts light on the coexistence of coal-burning power stations and agriculture. Paul's lens unveils the severe impact of these stations on the local economy, people, and climate. Despite regulations meant to protect ecology and community benefits, coal mines scar the land, while power stations emit substantial greenhouse gases and contaminate water sources crucial to survival. Devastating droughts compound the region's woes.
The narrative reaches beyond environmental concerns, intertwining with national politics. The takeover of Glencore coal mines by Gupta family-owned Optimum Coal Holdings reveals corruption scandals affecting the nation's highest echelons. Paul's mission intertwines macro issues like pollution and climate change with personal stories of those grappling with the crisis. "Broken Land" doesn't just depict the present but offers a glimpse of a potentially grim future for South Africa and the broader SADC region.
Daylin Paul, Livestock grazing near Matla Power Station (2018) © the artist
By Khumo Sebambo