Micha cárdenas, an Associate Professor at UC Santa Cruz, highlights the urgency of climate change at her exhibition “Probability Engine: Atlantic Overturning” during Nuit Blanche, Toronto. The exhibit reflects on critical issues such as ocean current instability and the melting of ice sheets, utilizing interactive sculptures to engage the public. Cárdenas advocates for societal transformation through artistic expression, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and action against climate catastrophe.
In late 2022, Tim Lenton, the founding director of the Global Systems Institute, published a dire report warning of imminent climate tipping points, including the potential collapse of ice sheets and significant alterations to North Atlantic ocean currents. This alarming situation prompted micha cárdenas, an Associate Professor of Critical Race & Ethnic Studies and Performance, Play & Design at the University of California, Santa Cruz, to express her urgent concerns. She characterized Lenton’s findings as “the scariest thing I have ever read,” emphasizing that humanity is on the brink of severe climate crisis, with the Earth already 1.44 degrees Celsius above the average global temperature and close to triggering possibly catastrophic tipping points. In response to these urgent issues, cárdenas launched her exhibition, “Probability Engine: Atlantic Overturning,” which debuted on October 5 during Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s expansive celebration of contemporary art. This exhibition, which has the potential to engage over 200,000 visitors, pushes for climate awareness through immersive experiences that showcase the realities of climate change. “Probability Engine” employs visual arts, sound, and augmented reality to confront viewers with the implications of climate justice while inspiring hope for collective action against ecological degradation. The exhibition includes a centerpiece sculpture called “Atlantic Overturning,” which is a 15-foot-long representation of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a key system of ocean currents that is reportedly at risk of collapse due to human-induced climate change. In developing this project, cárdenas collaborated with talented artists from her academic community to create impactful sculptures addressing various aspects of the climate crisis, such as the melting of Arctic permafrost and rising sea levels. One such sculpture, “The Probability Engine,” uses technology to facilitate audience interaction and reflection on climate futures, fostering a dialogue about the potential pathways forward. Cárdenas’ commitment to social justice through art manifests through previous works like “Unstoppable,” which provides protection for marginalized communities, and through her ongoing efforts to educate the public regarding the intersections between climate change, war, and social inequities. With poetry integrated into her artwork, cárdenas urges the audience to act as “tipping points” for positive societal change, positioning her artistic practice as a crucial conduit for raising awareness and sparking emotional connections to the climate crisis.
The alarming effects of climate change and the risk of reaching irreversible tipping points are critical global issues that have necessitated urgent conversations among scientists, artists, and activists. Recent studies have demonstrated that even a slight increase in global temperatures could trigger a series of catastrophic environmental changes, jeopardizing ecosystems and human societies alike. Micha cárdenas highlights the intersection of art and activism, effectively using her platform to foster greater awareness and inspire action towards climate resilience and justice. Her exhibition at Nuit Blanche serves as a significant outlet for addressing these pressing climate concerns through artistic expression and community engagement, while also introducing technological innovation to bring broader awareness to climate issues.
The exhibition “Probability Engine: Atlantic Overturning” by micha cárdenas serves as both an artistic exploration of climate change and a poignant call to action. By creatively engaging the public with immersive art installations, cárdenas sheds light on the urgent need to address climate tipping points, inviting individuals to reflect upon their role in fostering future change. Her multi-disciplinary approach underscores the profound impact of art in driving societal awareness and collective responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
Original Source: news.ucsc.edu
