What makes something seem “out of place”? Our attention is often drawn to those which do not fit in with their surrounding. For people, this may result from a different height, weight, skin color, or attire from those around them. With objects, their color, quantity, shape and size are distinguishing factors. Rather than merely being “an exception,” how can we leverage the unique attribute one possesses? How can we demonstrate them as forms of art?
In this week’s video lectures, I saw examples of how things that are out of the ordinary, or at least out of the ordinary within the context they are presented in, and how this can be used to convey a powerful message. In particular, I learned about how cultural institutions can provide an atmosphere conducive to such forms of socially engaged art.
I wonder how this insight can be applied to raising awareness of environmental issues. In the modern day, many of America’s greatest environmental impacts are disproportionately effecting poor people and people of color. Assuming that people are more likely to advocate for causes that they perceive as directly impacting them or those who surround them, a challenge arises of how to mobilize those who aren’t seeing the impacts firsthand.
How might people react to something which would be environmentally damaging and “out of context” for them such as failing water infrastructure, power plants,or toxic chemicals being placed right in front of their eyes. A disgusting pipe, model factory, or bottled hazardous chemicals could be difficult to grasp for those who don’t come in contact with them, potentially creating a sense of empathy with those who do. This tactic could be applied to the environmental justice movement, but also other physically remote yet socially imperative causes. New context could inspire new advocates.