Happy Earth Day!
Zuma #30, 1977. © John Divola. Courtesy of the artist and Yancey Richardson, New York.
Written by Wenjie (Demi) Zhao
In the grand symphony of time, as celestial bodies perform their cosmic ballet, the Earth greets yet another day – a day devoted to the love and nurture of our very home, Earth Day. This annual celebration on April 22 unites people worldwide in a collective effort to advocate for environmental protection. Established in 1970, the movement has expanded significantly, featuring an array of globally coordinated events. With over 1 billion participants across 193 nations, Earth Day serves as a powerful call for environmental stewardship.
The chosen theme for 2023 is “Invest In Our Planet,” an inspiring message urging us to prioritize and allocate resources towards safeguarding our shared home. This theme highlights our responsibility to support sustainable initiatives, foster innovative technologies, and protect Earth’s rich biodiversity. United, we can create a greener, more harmonious world for present and future generations to treasure.
A prime example of celebrating our planet through art is John Divola’s photography, which encapsulates our world’s beauty while emphasizing the impact of our actions on the environment. Spanning over 40 years, Divola’s work consistently questions the limits of photography, interweaving sculpture, installation, and performance to highlight the inherent tensions within the medium. As one of the first artists to highlight the role of photography in mediating our experience of the world and our surroundings, Divola’s art serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to the planet.
Let the Earth inspire us, the sky serve as our canvas, and the love in our hearts become the ink that writes our story upon the world. May we be the guardians of a bright future, where the song of the Earth reaches a resounding climax, signaling an era of love, respect, and unity. Today, we gather as one, recognizing that the Earth is our home, and together, we will build a world filled with hope and wonder.
Happy Earth Day to all!
