RWA’s latest exhibition confronts us with ‘the most critical issue of our time’

Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781-2022 is the RWA’s second exhibition after the building’s recent renovation. The exhibition examines how attitudes towards the landscape have evolved over the centuries and how artists’ approaches have changed over time.

“From the abundance and wonder of our planet, it takes us to the most critical question of its fragility and precariousness, confronting us with our impact on Earth – surely the most critical issue of our time,” says Emma Stibbon, co-curator of the exhibition.

Earth: Digging Deep showcases thought-provoking pieces by renowned artists such as J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough, Yinka Shonibare, alongside the work of local artists such as an extraordinary piece of work by Sir Richard Long produced entirely out of mud from the Avon Gorge.

The first exhibit on entrance, is Earth Kid (Boy) by Yinka Shonibare. Made with recycled fishnet plastics, the piece seeks to represent how current, and future generations carry the weight of eco-anxiety as well as the fight for climate justice.

Earth Kid (Boy) by Yinka Shonibare – Photo: Valentina Hernandez Gomez

This historical journey through British art is an opportunity to explore climate change, says Alison Bevan, director of the RWA: “Whatever your taste in art, or your level of interest and knowledge, the show has something to offer, from the sublime beauty of 19th century landscapes to the thought-provoking, often humorous work of 21st century artists.

“A major feature is the huge and stunning installation by Sir Richard Long RA RWA, created in mud from the river Avon applied directly to the Gallery’s walls.”

In addition to the exhibition, RWA is hosting a wide range of events, where people can attend and further process the experience through conversation and debate: “We hope that this exhibition offers a unique opportunity for open and inspiring conversations about climate change and what we can all do to help combat it,” says Alison.

As well as hosting climate cafes for those who wish to explore this theme and air their concerns with like-minded people, the RWA hopes the show offers a space that encourages conversations between people who perhaps have differing viewpoints, and that the exhibition will be the catalyst for visitors to think more deeply about this vital subject.

Art plays a critical role in sparking conversation as well as processing how we, on an individual and collective level, are feeling about the all-encompassing phenomenon of climate change.

Academic studies have also explored how art can contribute to stirring the public debate about environmental policy and climate justice. As Julien Knebusch says: “Art could help us question our perceptions and relationships to climate and its modification.”

A History of Time by Siobhán McDonald ‘narrates the changing state of the earth’s atmosphere’ – Photo: Valentina Hernández Gómez

After a “unanimously positive” response from visitors, the gallery is currently planning to keep on nurturing and “fulfilling their civic duty” of combating climate change: “Not only do we intend to continue reflecting this issue in our exhibitions – both through themed shows such as Earth, and through including related content wherever it is relevant – we are also actively working to help Bristol achieve net zero across all our work,” said Alison.

“Our recent transformational building project has enabled us to eliminate carbon fuels from our energy supply, and we are looking at all possible ways to make a positive environmental impact, or at least mitigate any negative ones.”

As a collective process, some of the work that has been created in response to the exhibition will also be showcased, including an exhibition of work by Creative Youth Network creative course participants, Sound of the Earth, a project by members of Bristol Refugee Artists Collective (BRAC).”

The exhibition will be open until September 11.

This piece of independent journalism is supported by Natwest and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership 

Main photo: Valentina Hernández Gómez 

Read more: ‘For most of my life I felt powerless living in a country so blessed yet so forgotten’

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: