Cover “Eco-art” is gradually making its way into various aspects of high-end living. (Photo: Hufton + Crow)
“Eco-art” is gradually making its way into various aspects of high-end living. (Photo: Hufton + Crow)
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As sustainability gains focus, the elite and collectors are shifting their preferences towards eco-art art.
For generations, the upper class has faced criticism for its excessive consumption, which is often seen as contributing to resource wastage and environmental damage. However, as awareness around environmental issues and sustainable development grows, so too does the demand for art that reflects these values: eco-art.
Cultural changes, technological advancements, and the evolving desires of affluent collectors are influencing how art is both created and consumed. According to a representative of Aurora & Athena, a new auction house opening in Spain in 2024, collectors and auction houses are placing more emphasis on the sustainability of artworks.
The definition of ecological art: “Eco-art”
“Eco-art,” or ecological art, is the practice of creating artworks from natural materials. The genre encompasses various forms, all of which carry messages relating to environmental or natural issues.
At its core, eco-art is an artistic form that explores the relationship between the artist and the natural world, urging viewers to take meaningful action in safeguarding the environment. Many eco-artists collaborate with scientists, landscape architects, and environmental experts to produce works that engage people with ecological concerns.
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Eco-art is also intrinsically linked to social movements aimed at protecting ecosystems. Its purpose is to raise public awareness and drive positive change.
Although eco-art has only recently come to prominence, its roots trace back to the 1960s. Robert Morris, an American sculptor and conceptual artist, was a key figure in pioneering this genre, producing works that examined the interplay between nature and society. Since then, numerous artists have embraced eco-art to tackle environmental issues and advocate for sustainable practices.
Among the most renowned contemporary eco-art pieces is Uncertain Journey, a 2016 installation by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota, who is based in Berlin. Shiota transformed Blain Southern, a now-closed contemporary art gallery in Berlin, into a captivating visual experience with red threads crisscrossing the space, some of which stretched up to 10 metres high.
For Shiota, Uncertain Journey, featuring boats, symbolises the unpredictable nature of human journeys. The intertwined threads represent the vastness of the universe and the infinite connections between people, all of which are deeply intertwined with the ecosystem.
Another significant work in the eco-art sphere is Ice Watch by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Since 2014, this interactive art exhibition has been drawing attention to climate change.
The Ice Watch project features large blocks of ice placed in urban centres like Paris and London, where they gradually melt to highlight the tangible effects of climate change. Through this installation, residents of these cities experience the reality of global warming within the context of their everyday lives, motivating them to take practical steps towards addressing the climate crisis.
Eco-art: A unique combination of aesthetics, sustainability and luxury lifestyle
Beyond artworks, eco-art is slowly making its way into other aspects of the high-end lifestyle. Today, the elite, collectors, and luxury brands are placing sustainability at the forefront to reinforce their class and values.
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In the luxury resort real estate sector, hotels, villas, and yachts are increasingly focusing on sustainability by creating opulent yet comfortable spaces for guests, all while maintaining a distinct and sophisticated aesthetic. A prime example is the Treeful Treehouse Resort in Okinawa, Japan, situated within Yambaru National Park. This unique resort offers treehouse accommodations, built with eco-friendly materials, enabling guests to enjoy a close-to-nature experience while helping preserve the local ecosystem.
In high-end fashion, renowned brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Stella McCartney have partnered with eco-art artists to introduce collections that blend art with sustainable elements. Among the notable initiatives are Prada’s Re-Nylon 2020 and Gucci’s Equilibrium project. Additionally, in 2019, Stella McCartney launched a fashion collection crafted from econyl, a type of nylon made from recycled plastic waste, saving up to 70,000 barrels of oil for every 10,000 tons of recycled nylon used.
The influence of eco-art is also making significant strides in architecture. Much like fashion and resort real estate, many luxury architectural projects today are prioritising the use of environmentally friendly materials, alongside advanced technology to optimise energy efficiency, ensuring sustainability is at their core.
One standout example of this trend is CopenHill (also known as Amager Bakke), a waste-to-energy plant in Denmark. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), this ambitious project spans 41,000m² and incorporates a hiking trail, climbing wall, and ski slope into its design.
These examples illustrate how the eco-art movement not only reflects a shift in societal values towards more sustainable practices in culture and art, but also plays a crucial role in opening up new career opportunities for artists committed to creating environmentally conscious works.
