Maggie York

Christian Wong

Environmental Psychology

What is environmental psychology? It's a fascinating field that explores the interplay between individuals and their physical surroundings. It delves into how our environment impacts behavior, emotions, and overall well-being. From examining the effects of urban design on stress levels to studying the psychological impact of natural spaces on mental health, it's a diverse and important area of study. In our project, we want to analyze how environmental psychology and art correlate and how examining art through the lenses of culture, luxury, capitalism, and resilience, we gain a deeper, more comprehensive grasp of how environmental challenges are perceived and addressed by society.

Have you ever had a hard time understanding art and the complex messages the artist is trying to portray? Me too! This is why I want to bring in the approach of environmental psychology and how applying this to art can help us understand the message more in-depth. Throughout my project, I will be examining three scholarly books, each focusing on one of these three aspects of modern life. I will then present an accompanying art piece to analyze. By examining Culture, Luxury, and Capitalism, from a psychological viewpoint my project concludes that viewing intense works of art through an environmental psychology lens can better prepare us for the future.

The first book I want to look at is The Rise of the Common City by Louis Volont, Thijs Lijster and Pascal Gielen. This book focuses on the Values of communing cultural practices instead of having a market or government-driven culture. In other words, a more community-driven government that focuses on culture. He then explains that culture is what gives meaning to the environment. One of the main things the author touches on is how environmental psychology plays a role in the development of our perceptions of nature. He looks at how humanity interacts with our environment and affects future generations' perceptions of the environment. A good example of this perception is the idea that humans can dominate nature. Before the industrial revolution humanity lived with nature and for a long time before that going back to the ancient civilization nature was seen as a god and something to be worshiped. For a

very long time, this is how humanity saw nature and passed that perception on to their children. In today’s society when everything is concrete and metal and the only nature we see is in parks and lawns children’s perception of the world is different.

A good example of how art plays a role in this concept is Figure 1, a snap snot of Biidaaban: First Light by Lisa Jackson. This VR art piece shows an apocalyptic version of downtown Toronto after nature has reclaimed the city. I use the term reclaimed here because from a human perspective or an elite perspective we own that city which was built by the working class. By taking a step back and understanding that the market-driven culture of society has led us to the idea that we own land and that an image like this may bring on intense feelings, it is that understanding that brings us closer to a common city. By analyzing this art piece through the ideas presented previously we can see how humanity's interactions with nature have led generations like Gen X and millennials to strive for land ownership. We can then better understand why our society is the way that it is and how changing future generations' perceptions of nature starts with changing how society interacts with nature.

One of the ways the Novel brings this up is by looking at creating small cities run by communal governments with heavy enfaces on nature in these cities. Now this may sound overwhelming to create brand new cities, but I don’t believe we have to tear down what is already made. Instead by viewing interactive pieces like Lisas, we can see a future where nature reclaims what we left behind. Reclaiming by nature can be very beautiful but it also doesn’t have to be reclaiming. What if it was integrated, these common cities could be the same cities we have now but with way more nature. This incorporation of nature as an equal into cities would through environmental psychology potentially promote an even more natural society for future generations and in turn save the earth.

The next book I want to review is Sustainable Luxury: Managing Social and Environmental Performance in Iconic Brands by Miguel Gardetti and Laura Torres. This book focuses on the luxury industry and how many people think the idea of luxury and sustainability could never work together. However, this is not the case, and the very idea of luxury (Limited, typically hand-crafted) items is in nature sustainable. The author then touches a bit of psychology on how consumers, when purchasing luxury goods are thinking sustainably. When

consumers buy higher-end products they typically are purchasing for long-lasting quality. They go for these because humans get easily attached to things and they want things that last a long time.

Now let us take that analysis and look at it through an environmental psychology lens. Figure 2 is Let Me Clutch Thee a performance by Jelili Atiku. This performance is of a martial ceremony in which this luxury clothing is ruined by oil. This piece can be very emotional for many views for two different reasons. The First and most obvious is that Jelili is pouring petroleum over a woman which is putting her in harm's way with the toxic chemicals in it. The second which to some might seem shallow is the ruining of a luxury wedding dress. However, from a psychological standpoint, one of the reasons for this is that the dress took a lot of time and effort to make. Leading the viewer to a better understanding of how not only material but time is affected by environmental psychology. As humans, even if we don’t want to, have a profound connection with nature because we are a part of it. Humans do not want to harm the earth or throw away things. Part of our psychology is attachment so when we have to get rid of something we have become attached to we typically are not thrilled. This is why capitalism invented mass consumerism and cheaper things because they do not allow us enough time to become attached.

Another Art piece related to fashion and luxury is in Figure 3 Bilele by Maurice Mbikayi. The Photograph by Maurice is of a luxury outfit crafted out of keyboard parts. The keyboards used to craft this outfit were created on the mountain in the background and polluted the water in the marsh he calls home. To many, this can bring a sense of environmental dread but also a sense of shame for what economic inequality capitalism has caused and how our view of the environment has allowed for this type of destruction.

The last book I wanted to touch on is The Age of Resilience by Jeremey Rifkin. Rikin's idea of resilience focuses on how morphing beyond capitalism is inevitable and that the reason why we have damaged the environments in the ways we have is for the benefit of capitalism and how the very nature of capitalism is cemented in our psychology. These ideas can be overwhelming how these extremely intense feelings can be provoked through art and whether or not that effectively changes our perception of the environment.

When viewing art, particularly climate art, many views are confused or filled with feelings of dread also known as climate grief. That grief can be very difficult to overcome and might make you feel hopeless. In my project, I gave you some tools that will help you better analyze art and feel hope for the future. By understanding environmental psychology, you can then reflect on how things like Capitalism, Luxury, and Culture can be incorporated into what an artist is saying and then use that knowledge to change not only your own perception of the environment but society as well.

Sources

Handbook of Environment Psychology and Quality of Life Research:

This insightful book sheds light on the critical role of environmental awareness and behavioral response to climate change within impacted communities. One intriguing concept that particularly caught my attention in this book is “Environmental Stress.” This phenomenon is an adverse psychological reaction elicited by various environmental factors. Such stress arises when the challenges presented by the environment surpass an individual’s ability to manage or adapt to these challenges effectively. An illustrative instance of this is the detrimental impact on wildlife due to the destruction of their natural habitats.

Moreover, the book delves into the concept of “Intrinsic Motivation” which is a compelling idea. It describes how motivation that stems from internal goals and personal drivers can empower individuals to remain resilient and motivated, even amidst daunting challenges. This aspect of intrinsic motivation is particularly relevant in the context of environmental issues, where personal commitment and internal drive can play a significant role in sustaining efforts toward environmental conservation and adapting to the changes brought about by climate change. One example can be a community-led ecosystem restoration, in which residents who have grown up around the damaged environment have the motivation to protect and restore their homes and their identity.

Karl Marx on Alienation:

The capitalist framework, characterized by its focus on incessant consumption and perpetual economic expansion, frequently encourages ways of living and prediction techniques that can be detrimental and unsustainable for the environment. Such a system may result in individuals becoming estranged from the environmental ramifications of their consumption habits. This estrangement can lead to a detachment, wherein there’s a notable gap between everyday decisions and their consequential impact on the climate. For instance, in a consumer-driven society, there’s a tendency to prioritize convenience and cost-effectiveness, often at the expense of environmental sustainability. An everyday example might be the prevalent use of single-use plastics. These items, made cheaply and used widely due to their convenience, end up in landfills or oceans, causing significant harm to ecosystems. The individual consumer, focused on immediate needs and cost, may be unaware or feel disconnected from these broader environmental impacts. Additionally, this disconnection can be observed in the context of energy consumption. In a capitalist system that heavily markets and depends on fossil fuels, the average consumer, while utilizing energy for daily needs like transportation, heating, or electricity, may not fully grasp the contribution of these activities to global greenhouse gas emissions. This lack of awareness can stem from the way such energy sources are presented and marketed in society, often obscuring their environmental costs.

Furthermore, the capitalist model’s push for constant growth can lead to excessive deforestation and industrialization. These activities, are driven by the demand for more goods and services, resulting in habitat destruction and biodiversity loss, further exacerbating climate change issues. Yet, the connection between consumer demands in urban areas and the degradation of distant natural habitats can often be overlooked or underappreciated by the general public.

Artworks

Carbonell’s Mule POV

Isabelle Carbonells’ artwork presents a unique viewpoint, capturing a mule drinking from the polluted waters of Brazil’s Rio Doce, a river drastically altered by the catastrophic mining incident of 2015. This scene poignantly illustrates the impact of pollution and habitat destruction on wildlife, manifesting as environmental stress. Such a perspective expands the usual focus of environmental psychology beyond humans, underscoring the fact that all creatures are susceptible to environmental stressors. Carbonell’s piece serves not just as an artistic expression

but as a call to action, urging viewers to recognize and respond to the plight of animals living in polluted environments.

Walrus Ivory Carving

First of all, these artworks vividly portray the environmental stress experienced by hunters engaged in walrus hunting. The hunters endure long hours in challenging conditions, highlighting the demanding nature of this traditional practice. This aspect of the art captures the physical and mental endurance required in such a pursuit. Conversely, the art also powerfully illustrates the intrinsic motivation behind walrus ivory carving. There is a profound connection between the act of carving and the broader objectives of sustaining cultural traditions and respecting the natural environment. This relationship indicates a deep level of intrinsic motivation, where carving transcends mere artistic creation to become a symbol of environmental and cultural conservation. In these art pieces, the intricate process of carving is not just an artistic endeavor but also an expression of commitment to preserving both cultural heritage and the environmental integrity of their surroundings.

In conclusion, this project illustrates how artistic expression, enriched by a deep understanding of environmental psychology and societal dynamics, can significantly influence public perception and action in the face of climate change. By combining scholarly research with the analysis of art, the project offers a comprehensive view of the complex relationship between humans, their environment, and culture, ultimately emphasizing the power of art and psychology in fostering a more sustainable and empathetic world.

Conclusion.

In our collaborative exploration, we have delved into the realms of art, psychology, and societal constructs to understand and address the complexities of environmental psychology in the context of climate change. Our projects, though distinct in their approaches, converge to form a comprehensive narrative that underscores the transformative power of art in fostering societal resilience and adaptability in the face of environmental challenges.

Maggie’s project focuses on how by understanding ourselves and society from an environmental psychologist standpoint we can view art in a more meaningful way to prepare ourselves for the future. After examining works like “Sustainable Luxury: Managing Social and Environmental Performance in Iconic Brands” and “The Rise of the Common City” we can begin to analyze consumerism and how our market-driven economy has led us down the path of climate change in order to better understand our environment. We can then look at books like “The Age of resilience” to understand where that market came from and how the ideas of capitalism shape our views of the environment. We can then take that in-depth understanding of society and project it onto art in order to understand the complex and groundbreaking ideas of climate activist artists; to then prepare ourselves and future generations for what needs to be done.

Christian’s project focuses on how art can act as a catalyst in environmental psychology enhancing public awareness and prompting behavior change in response to climate change. Drawing from the “Handbook of Environmental Psychology and Quality of Life Research” and Karl Marx’s insights on Alienation, he explores the integration of Jeremy Rifkin’s concept of resilience with environmental psychology. Through the analysis of Isabelle Carbonell’s Embodied Cinema and traditional Walrus ivory carving, his project highlights how artistic expression not only mirrors but also actively shapes societal attitudes and actions in the face of the escalating climate crisis.

In conclusion, our combined research underscores the role of art as a vital, transformative force in environmental psychology. By examining art through the lenses of culture, luxury, capitalism, and resilience, we gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of how environmental challenges are perceived and addressed by society. Our projects collectively illustrate that art, in its various forms, is not merely a reflection of societal values and issues but a powerful agent of change, capable of influencing public perception, fostering resilience, and inspiring action in the age of climate change. This synergy of art and psychology paves the way for a more informed, responsive, and adaptive approach to environmental challenges, highlighting the need for continued exploration and integration of these disciplines.

Figure 1: Biidaaban First Light by Lisa Jackson

Figure 2: Let Me Clutch Thee by Jeili Atiku

Figure 3: Bilele by Maurice Mbikayi

Figure 4: Mule POV (embodied cinema) by Isabelle Carbonell

Figure 5: Walrus Ivory Carving