colby jennings

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writing

Adrift in the Anthropocene


abstract

In the Anthropocene, humanity's profound impact on global systems has generated an overwhelming abundance of data about pressing ecological and social issues. This paper argues that while this information is crucial, its sheer volume often leads to emotional detachment and inaction. Art emerges as a powerful antidote to this desensitization, capable of transforming abstract data into tangible, emotionally resonant experiences. Through an examination of works by the contemporary artists Maya Lin, Laurie Frick, Trevor Paglen, Refik Anadol, Agnes Denes, Nathalie Miebach, and Olafur Eliasson, this paper demonstrates how art can reconnect us with the urgency of our time. These artists convert complex information into sensory experiences that foster deeper reflection, expose hidden systems of power, and pose ethical critiques. By creating immersive aesthetic experiences, art provides a crucial lens for understanding and feeling the weight of the Anthropocene, inspiring critical reflection and action. The paper concludes that art's ability to elicit emotional engagement is essential for cultivating a more empathetic and ethically informed response to the complex challenges we face in this era of human influence.

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