In an era defined by climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental crises, artists are stepping up as powerful voices for change. In 2025, the intersection of art and environmentalism has gained significant traction, with creators using their work to raise awareness, challenge perceptions, and inspire action. Among them, Benoît Fournier, a French-Brazilian multidisciplinary artist, stands out for his innovative approach to weaving ecological narratives into his installations and alternative photography. This article explores how artists like Fournier harness the emotive and transformative power of art to advocate for a sustainable future.
Art as a Catalyst for Environmental Awareness
Art has a unique ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, making it a potent tool for environmental activism. Unlike scientific reports or policy papers, which can feel inaccessible, art engages emotions and sparks dialogue. In 2025, with global temperatures rising and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the public’s demand for solutions is reflected in the growing popularity of eco-conscious art. Exhibitions featuring sustainable materials, immersive installations, and community-driven projects are drawing crowds, as people seek hope and inspiration amid dire climate forecasts.
Benoît Fournier’s work exemplifies this trend. His project Nipei Yuxii (2017-2021) uses the chlorophyll print process, a form of organic photography that employs Amazonian leaves to create ephemeral images. This technique, developed in collaboration with indigenous Yawanawá and Huni Kuin communities, not only showcases the fragility of nature but also honors indigenous knowledge systems. By presenting nature as a co-creator, Fournier’s work invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the environment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human and non-human worlds.
Influencing Policy and Behavior Through Art
Beyond raising awareness, art can influence policy and behavior by making abstract issues tangible. In 2025, as governments face pressure to meet ambitious climate targets, artists are collaborating with policymakers and communities to amplify environmental messages. Public installations, in particular, have become a powerful medium. For instance, large-scale works in urban spaces—such as sculptures made from recycled materials or projections highlighting deforestation—turn cityscapes into platforms for activism.
Fournier’s Rivers that Fly (2022-2023) is a striking example. This installation uses frottage techniques on trees with iron oxide blue, combined with burned and stitched silk prints, to evoke the concept of atmospheric rivers—moisture flows critical to ecosystems. By visualizing these invisible natural processes, Fournier prompts viewers to reflect on humanity’s impact on the water cycle, a topic gaining attention as droughts and floods intensify. Such works can inspire grassroots movements or even inform policy discussions, as seen in recent initiatives where artists collaborate with NGOs to advocate for reforestation or renewable energy.
The Rise of Eco-Art in Public Spaces
Public art installations are increasingly recognized as tools for environmental advocacy. In 2025, cities worldwide are integrating eco-art into urban planning, from green walls to sculptures that double as air purifiers. These projects not only beautify spaces but also educate communities about sustainability. Fournier’s work aligns with this movement, as his use of natural materials and slow, deliberate processes challenges the fast-paced, consumerist culture that fuels environmental degradation.
For example, Fournier’s chlorophyll prints in Nipei Yuxii are inherently temporary, decaying as leaves naturally would. This ephemerality mirrors the fragility of ecosystems, a message that resonates in a world grappling with biodiversity loss. By placing such works in galleries or public spaces, artists like Fournier create immersive experiences that encourage viewers to confront the consequences of inaction.
Challenges and Opportunities in Environmental Art
While eco-art is gaining momentum, it faces challenges. Some critics argue that art’s impact is limited compared to policy changes or technological innovation. Others point out the risk of “greenwashing,” where environmental themes are used superficially to gain attention. However, artists like Fournier counter these concerns by grounding their work in authenticity and collaboration. His partnerships with indigenous communities ensure that his art reflects genuine cultural and ecological insights, rather than exploiting environmental themes for aesthetic purposes.
The opportunities, however, are vast. In 2025, digital platforms and social media amplify the reach of environmental art, with hashtags like #EcoArt and #ClimateArt trending on X. Virtual exhibitions and augmented reality installations allow artists to engage global audiences, while crowdfunding platforms enable community-supported eco-art projects. Fournier’s work, with its focus on indigenous perspectives and sustainable practices, is well-positioned to inspire younger generations, who are increasingly vocal about climate justice.
A Call to Action Through Art
As the climate crisis deepens, the role of art in environmentalism is more critical than ever. Artists like Benoît Fournier are not just creating beauty—they are crafting narratives that challenge, educate, and mobilize. By blending innovative techniques with urgent ecological themes, they remind us that art can be a catalyst for change, bridging the gap between awareness and action. In 2025, as the world grapples with environmental challenges, the work of artists like Fournier offers a hopeful vision: a future where creativity and sustainability go hand in hand.