Artists have always attempted to depict or communicate the current socio-political or environmental situation through their artwork. Amid a worldwide environmental calamity, artists see it as their obligation to intervene through their creative process. Ravi Agarwal, Atul Bhalla, and Navjot Altaf's contributions to environmental art demonstrate a shared dedication to addressing ecological issues and promoting social change in India. These artists utilize digital media, performance art, and traditional craft techniques to challenge norms and promote sustainability within communities. Ravi Agarwal uses photography, video art, and installations to portray the changing interplay between nature and civilization, stimulating thought about human impact on the environment. Atul Bhalla uses a multidisciplinary approach to encourage viewers to reassess their roles within the larger ecological and sociological context, advocating a rethinking of our impact on the earth. Navjot Altaf relies on indigenous cultures, using traditional artisan processes to elevate marginalized voices and question mainstream norms. Her art promotes social harmony while keeping a close eye on contemporary events. This paper seeks to understand better how Ravi Agarwal, Atul Bhalla, and Navjot Altaf's artistic practices contribute to transformative environmental art and how this transformation translates into broader societal conversations about ecological awareness and social responsibility. Through an in-depth investigation of their multidisciplinary approaches and participatory projects, the paper indicates how, when used effectively, the transformative power of art has the potential to shape societal narratives and advocate for a sustainable and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Authors:
Jayanti Mandi, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India
Ritwij Bhowmik, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India

About the Presenter(s)
Jayanti is pursuing her Ph.D. in Fine Arts at IIT Kanpur’s Department of HSS, is particularly interested in the socio-cultural and environmental contexts of Indian art through examining the relationship between art and environmentalism.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jayanti-Mandi

Additional website of interest
https://www.facebook.com/jayanti.mandi.161?mibextid=ZbWKwL

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