Contemporary Art and Ecological Transformation in East and Southeast ...

In the face of global ecological crises, this edited volume examines how contemporary art in East and Southeast Asia confronts environmental destruction, ecological degradation, and social injustice. The book explores the concept of artistic remediation - art's capacity to intervene in and respond to ecological challenges - across a wide range of creative practices. These include producing thought-provoking artworks, fostering non-human agency, reclaiming materials, advocating for biodiversity, promoting eco-education, protesting against capitalist extractivism, and envisioning sustainable futures, among other approaches.

Through eleven chapters, twelve contributors delve into artistic interventions that reflect, inspire action, and catalyse ecological transformation. Grounded in the environmental, cultural, and artistic contexts of the region, the authors analyse how individual artists, collectives, and organisations - whether working independently or in collaboration with activists and local communities - confront ecological injustices and foster broader ecological consciousness. Their research uncovers the rich local histories, political ecologies, and creative strategies driving the dynamic and evolving intersection between art and ecology today.

By documenting and theorising these diverse forms of remediation, this book not only advances an ecologically conscious and socially engaged art history but also presents a compelling vision for the future. It offers a call to action, emphasising the power of art to inspire a more just and sustainable planet for all life forms.