Exploring Environmental Digital Art with Blueshift and Guests Artists, hosted by Objkt

Diane Drubay's initiative, Blueshift, represents a significant effort to bridge the gap between environmental advocacy and digital art. The platform, which has been in development since 2021, serves as a multi-faceted hub for artists who engage with ecological themes. Diane emphasized the need for a slow, deliberate approach to building this project, mirroring the careful, sustainable practices she advocates for in the art community. Blueshift is not just a collection; it’s a dynamic space for online exhibitions, virtual shows, and eventually, physical exhibitions, all dedicated to fostering environmental awareness through digital art.

Throughout the discussion, each artist shared their unique approach to integrating environmental themes into their digital art practices, revealing a rich tapestry of methods and perspectives.

TouchSoundArt: Sculpting with Code and Nature

TouchSoundArt emphasized the evolution from physical sculpture to digital media as a means of reducing environmental impact. This transition allowed the artist to reduce the physical footprint of their practice, as all her work now fits within a single computer. TouchSoundArt's work explores biomimicry, creating digital sculptures that mimic natural forms through algorithms. This process not only underscores the beauty of nature but also raises questions about humanity’s relationship with technology and the environment. She also posed an important question to the group about balancing the need to address environmental issues with the pressures of creating visually appealing, socially shareable content in the NFT space.

Helio Santos: Layering Political and Environmental Narratives

Helio Santos discussed his subtle yet profound incorporation of environmental themes into his work, which often reflects the complex political and social realities of his native Mexico. For instance, Helio’s use of landscape is a narrative tool that allows him to delve into deeper ecological and cultural tensions. A poignant example is his exploration of the avocado, a symbol of both cultural identity and environmental degradation, particularly as these crops have been co-opted by criminal organizations in Mexico. Despite the strong messages, Helio admitted that he doesn't always foreground these political and environmental aspects on social media, preferring instead to let the art speak on multiple levels.

Pearl Hyacinth (aka Melody Owen) shared her journey from traditional media to virtual worlds, where she creates immersive experiences that draw attention to the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Her work in virtual environments allows for a nuanced exploration of animal intelligence and environmental degradation. Pearl described how her art was deeply influenced by early experiences with climate change awareness and her emotional connection with beluga whales. Her work often incorporates elements of the natural world, blending digital and physical experiences to convey the urgency of environmental preservation.

SIMULACRO, a group of six artists, spoke about their work in forest environments near their homes in a region rich with diverse landscapes. Their performances in these natural settings blur the lines between digital and physical art, emphasizing the importance of collective thinking and emotional connections to specific landscapes. The collective's work is not just about representing nature but also about fostering a deeper understanding of our relationship with these environments. They discussed how their artistic process is rooted in collaboration, reflecting a broader political statement about the importance of collective action in addressing environmental issues.

Lauren Moffatt presented her work, which often blends physical and digital worlds to explore the relationship between human perception and the environment. Her project "Flowers for Suzanne Claire" uses real-world data from natural environments to drive immersive digital experiences. This work is part of a broader exploration of how data and digital technology can create a dialogue between internal human states and external environmental factors. Lauren's practice is heavily influenced by her background in painting, which she integrates with new media to create immersive narratives that encourage viewers to rethink their connection to the natural world.

Soliman Lopez brought a scientific and technological edge to the discussion, describing his use of blockchain technology to preserve environmental data and create art that emphasizes the relationship between digital economies and ecological conservation. His projects, like the "Manifesto Terricola," propose innovative ways to store digital heritage within natural ecosystems, using glaciers as metaphorical hard drives. Soliman's work often involves encoding DNA with digital information, creating a tangible connection between the physical and digital realms. His current project, "Capsaite," in collaboration with local communities in Colombia, aims to create biodiversity capsules that preserve and replicate environmental DNA, furthering his mission to link art, technology, and environmental stewardship.

As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that defining what it means to be an "environmental digital artist" is as complex and layered as the art itself. The artists featured on Blueshift each bring a unique approach to their work, yet they all share a deep commitment to exploring the relationship between technology and the natural world.

For many of these artists, the environment is not just a subject but a vital element that informs their entire creative process. TouchSoundArt, for instance, has found that the intersection of technology and nature increasingly drives their practice. By reducing her physical footprint through digital means, they explore how biomimicry and code can bring the beauty of natural forms into the digital realm. This approach reflects a broader dialogue within the art community about how to balance aesthetic appeal with meaningful environmental commentary, particularly in the fast-paced world of NFTs.

In a similar vein, Helio Santos weaves environmental themes into his work through the landscapes of his native Mexico. His art is a reflection of the complex social and political realities he encounters, where the environment often serves as a metaphor for broader cultural tensions. Helio's work invites viewers to delve into these layers, encouraging them to see beyond the surface and consider the deeper ecological and societal issues at play.

Meanwhile, Pearl Hyacinth (aka Melody Owen) approaches environmental art from a multidisciplinary perspective, where her deep concern for climate change and animal intelligence informs her virtual creations. For Pearl, the environment is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative she constructs in virtual worlds. Her work blurs the lines between digital and physical experiences, emphasizing the urgency of preserving the fragile ecosystems that are central to her art.

The Simulacro Collective offers a different perspective, one that highlights the power of collective thought and action in addressing environmental issues. Their work is deeply rooted in the natural landscapes surrounding them, but it is through their collaborative process that these environments come to life in the digital space. The collective’s performances in forested areas are more than just artistic expressions—they are acts of connection, both to the land and to each other, demonstrating how art can foster a collective understanding of our environmental responsibilities.

Lauren Moffatt brings a data-driven approach to her exploration of the environment, using real-world environmental data to create immersive digital experiences. Her work serves as a bridge between the internal, emotional landscapes of her viewers and the external realities of the natural world. By integrating environmental data into her art, Lauren creates a dialogue that encourages viewers to rethink their relationship with the environment, blending personal experience with broader ecological concerns.

For Soliman Lopez, the environment is both a conceptual foundation and a technological frontier. His innovative use of blockchain and DNA encoding to preserve environmental data underscores the potential of digital art to contribute to ecological conservation. Soliman’s work transcends traditional boundaries, connecting the digital and natural worlds in ways that challenge our understanding of how art can influence environmental preservation.

As these artists shared their perspectives, it became evident that the label "environmental digital artist" is fluid, reflecting a spectrum of practices and intentions. Some artists, like Soliman and Pearl, place environmental concerns at the core of their work, while others, like Helio and the Simulacro Collective, weave these themes into broader narratives about culture and society. Yet, across this diversity, there is a common thread: a shared belief in the power of digital art to engage with and address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.