Artwork by Kusay Bader.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Artbooth Gallery, Abu Dhabi, is inaugurating (June 6 till July 14) What Have You Done, an exhibition by Kusay Bader. It explores man’s relationship with nature and invites audiences for a thought-provoking journey into humanity’s complex, love-hate relationship with the natural world. Bader’s artworks offer his perspective on the beauty of nature and the urgent need for environmental stewardship. In a world where the health of our planet is increasingly at risk due to intrusive and negative human activities, Bader’s exhibition serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment. Using colour, texture and symbolism, the artist invites viewers to contemplate the profound impact of human actions on the Earth’s delicate ecosystem. “At the heart of ‘What Have You Done’ is a reflection on the beauty of nature and the alarming threats it faces in the modern world,” says Bader. “Through my artwork, I aim to convey a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, while also drawing attention to the urgent need for environmental conservation.” Through the use of warm colours and vivid imagery, he highlights both the resilience and vulnerability of the Earth’s ecosphere, urging viewers to reconsider their relationship with the environment.

“I believe that art has the power to inspire change and foster a deeper appreciation for the world around us,” Bader continues. “Through ‘What Have You Done,’ I hope to spark meaningful conversations about the importance of environmental protection and the role that each of us plays in preserving the beauty of our planet.” His artwork offers a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world and the pressing need to safeguard its future. As visitors explore the exhibition, they are welcomed to ponder over their impact on the environment and consider ways to contribute to a more sustainable future for the generations to come.

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“Ecological art, also known as eco-art,” says wikipedia, “is an artistic practice or discipline proposing paradigms sustainable with the life forms and resources of our planet.” The movement is composed of artists, scientists, philosophers and activists who are devoted to the practices of ecological art. Historical precedents, wikipedia further points out, include Earthworks, Land Art, and landscape painting/photography. Eco-art focuses on systems and interrelationships in our environment and the ecological, geographic, political, biological and cultural aspects related to them.

The movement creates awareness, stimulates dialogue, attempts to change human behaviour towards other species, and encourages long-term respect for the natural systems we coexist with. “It manifests as socially engaged, activist, community-based restorative or interventionist art,” wikipedia concludes. Eco-artists reflect on human engagement with the natural world and create ecologically informed artworks that focus on transformation or reclamation of the planet. Sustainable art is produced by them with consideration for the wider impact of the work and its relationship to its environment, including social, economic, biophysical, historical, and cultural issues. Some artists choose to minimise the potential impact of their works on the environment, while others work to restoring the landscape to its original, natural state.

  Kusay Bader reflects on Nature and threats it faces.

It can be argued, wikipedia argues, that environmental art began with Paleolithic cave paintings. Cave paintings of the Paleolithic era represented aspects of nature important to early humans, such as animals and human figures. Nature, for centuries, remained the preferred theme of creative art. In the modern and contemporary eras, to make a short story long, when artists painted onsite, they developed a deep connection with their surrounding environment and its weather conditions. They brought their observations onto their canvases.

For example, John Constable’s sky paintings most closely represent the sky in nature; Monet’s London Series exemplify his connection with the environment; contemporary painters like Diane Burko represent changing, natural phenomena; and Alexis Rockman, whose landscapes depict a sardonic view of climate change, all fall into the category of eco-artists. “For me, a landscape does not exist in its own right, since its appearance changes at every moment; but the surrounding atmosphere brings it to life, the air and the light, which vary continually for me, it is only the surrounding atmosphere that gives subjects their true value,” Monet has said.

Bader’s work revolves around sculpting, painting and designing. He earned a BA in Fine Arts from Damascus University in 1996, with a major in sculpture. He was a former member of the General Secretariat of the Sharjah Award for Fine Critical Research, a former preparer and editor of the award, a former artistic editor for visual arts activities at the Department of Culture in the Government of Sharjah, and a former journalist and a member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society. Founded by Roger El-Khoury in 2019, after 11 years of experience in the art field between Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates, Artbooth aims to create cross-cultural bridges between artists, audiences and collectors from across the world.

Located on the ground floor of Centro Capital Centre by Rotana, ADNEC area, Abu Dhabi, the gallery is dedicated to promoting the widest selection of artworks and exploring new connections and partnerships. From emerging to established artists both at the regional and international level, it aspires to provide artworks best suited for a collector’s satisfaction. Services include fine art sales consultancy, second market art sales, archiving collections and curating exhibitions.