by Jennifer Graley

What does it mean to truly incorporate the notion of sustainability into the gallery space? Sustainability is often used as a buzzword to shed light on environmental initiatives, such as reducing energy usage or increasing recycling schemes, in order to meet green policy targets. Whilst these goals are certainly important, the concept of sustainability is comprised of so much more. This is definitely the case within the arts, and more specifically within the gallery space, where a truly comprehensive approach to sustainability requires an all-encompassing holistic perspective. 

How can Sustainability be Incorporated into the Gallery Space? Sandra Suubi and the “Samba Gown”

Universal complexities such as climate change, globalisation, deforestation, and fossil fuel usage are topics that at first may seem distant and overwhelming. Despite this, arguably the gallery space can play a crucial role in breaking down these global challenges into localised, inclusive, and accessible discussions that ignite grassroots change. This call for community involvement is a fundamental aspect of sustainability, and it unites people to collectively address these larger problems rather than being divided. This is particularly true with collaborative and socially engaged photography, as advocated here at Open Eye Gallery. As part of the Liverpool Biennial 2023 titled ‘uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things’, Sandra Suubi’s ‘Samba Gown’ at Open Eye Gallery is a clear example of how sustainability can be incorporated into the gallery space. Crafted from discarded plastic waste, and complemented by thoughtfully captured photographs, the gown is in itself a sustainable textile that represents the ramifications of colonialism and plastic pollution. A symbol of Ugandan power, the artwork assumes the role of an integral catalyst, illuminating an intricate web of global challenges and their interconnected nature. 

As shown through Suubi’s depictions of the ‘Samba Gown’, photography serves as a powerful tool for achieving social engagement and inclusivity. Through visual storytelling, it captures the experiences of specific individuals and places, providing a unique perspective that may differ from one’s own. At Open Eye Gallery, we embrace photography to connect people, tell compelling stories, provoke inquiry, reflect on humanity’s past and present, and celebrate its diversity and creativity. By fostering social inclusivity and community involvement, the gallery space becomes an unsung hero of the sustainable cause, acting as a binding force that brings people together both creatively and socially. 

Inclusive Sustainability: Advocating Racial and LGBTQI+ Equality

A significant illustration of this dynamic between visual art and the implementation of sustainability in the gallery space includes Belinda Kazeem-Kamiński’s ‘Respire’ at FACT Liverpool, another integral component of the Liverpool Biennial 2023. Comprised of a series of succinct videos, the piece delves into the concept of Black breath and the intricate nature of occupying space as a person of colour. This piece is a response to violence, joy, and liberation, demonstrating how confronting systemic racism within our society is a fundamental aspect of achieving sustainability and change for the future. 

A gallery cannot consider itself to be sustainable and fight environmental issues such as climate change without first providing a space that promotes its dedication to the advocation of racial equality and LGBTQI+ rights. They exist in a symbiotic relationship, and are therefore fundamentally and unequivocally interconnected. Open Eye Gallery recently assembled the thought-provoking ‘Me, Myself, My SPACE’ exhibition at The Atkinson. This exhibition challenges young LGBTQI+ and ally people to use photography and art as a tool for navigating their identity. This is why it is crucial to provide a gallery space that empowers local communities through visual expression, igniting transformative action collectively as a unified force that embraces diversity. 

Resilient Futures: Intersecting Sustainability, Environmental Issues, and Social Justice

Gathering and voicing creative ideas, even if they initially appear to not be directly associated with environmental initiatives, is essential for the creation of a successful sustainability narrative. This was evident in the transformative 2022 ‘Radical Landscapes’ exhibition at Tate Liverpool, where the definition of landscape art was redefined and expanded beyond solely scenic depictions. Notably, works like Davinia-Ann Robinson’s ‘Some Intimacy’ and Delaine Le Bas’ ‘Rinkeni Pani (Beautiful Water)’ explore unity within natural settings, using mediums like clay, images, and sound to advocate the importance of climate change and social justice. ‘Some Intimacy’ is a sculptural exploration of the relationships between people of colour and land, combining soil and clay with spoken poetry reflecting on regeneration, and ‘Rinkeni Pani (Beautiful Water)’ is a study of the theme of water scarcity and its connection to identity. Both of these works are fundamental in highlighting the intrinsic link between sustainability, social inclusivity, and the natural world. 

Exhibitions like ‘Radical Landscapes’ and the Liverpool Biennial 2023 ‘uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things’ play a crucial role in embodying every corner under the scope of sustainability.  By addressing global challenges on a local scale, they emphasise that through a holistic approach to sustainability, we can transform the gallery space into a vibrant hub that promotes meaningful dialogue and encourages grassroots action. 

Sustainability flourishes through the united efforts of our vibrant community. Immerse yourself in the experience of embracing sustainability and inclusivity at our gallery by actively engaging with us. Share your invaluable thoughts, and together we can harness the power of gallery spaces to create a lasting and positive impact on our world. 

Text: Jennifer Graley

Images:

Samba Gown, Mark McNulty, 2023

Respire, Belinda Kazeem-Kaminski, 2023

Me, Myself, My SPACE, Rob Battersby, 2023

Radical Landscapes, Matt Greenwood, 2022

Some Intimacy, Davinia Ann Robinson, 2022

‘Rinkeni Pani (Beautiful Water)’, Delaine Le Blas, 2022