Art for Change
Climate change, or better-stated as climate distribution, is alarming. The lack of action is only increasing the damage to the planet. An artist from Denmark recently decided to use his talents and be an influence for change. In September, “Breathe with Me” by Jeppe Hein was launched in the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and Central Park during the UN General Assembly. The launch coincided with the UN Youth Climate Summit. This art project’s purpose is to globally connect everyone with the intent of helping humanity as a whole understand what is occurring on this planet.
The art installation not only challenges those who do not believe in climate change but pushes for other sustainable goals around the world. Some of those goals include good health and quality education for every country so they may have increased longevity and well-being. Another important goal is to reduce inequalities based upon ethnicity, gender, age and economic background.
“Breathe with Me” allows not only interconnectedness but also encourages the audience to interact with the art, through a display that shows how one breathes. The painting is of two blue lines on a white canvas. Everyone can see how no two lines are the same, which demonstrates that every breath and every life is different, but still occurs.
You are encouraged to upload your rendition of “Breathe with Me”. Even if art is not your forte, you can spread awareness of the interconnectedness of our world. If every person contributed, it would be an exceptional opportunity to reach more people.
“Life begins with an inhale and ends with an exhale. In-between we all breathe and live different lives. And yet, each breath keeps us together, connected, sharing the same air.” - Jeppe Hein
Gianna Starr is a senior studying history.