Landscape in Pain

This research is art based and explores creative practice as a means to communicate issues linked to renewable energy and climate justice with reference to geopolitical consequences, human and environmental impact.

The project considers how we can effect a just transition maximising the social and economic opportunities of climate action, while minimising and carefully managing challenges – including through effective social dialogue among those who are impacted. The project asks, how can we achieve sustainability in our lives, and leverage renewable energies, without causing harm?

This research employs art to create impact and achieve societal change by conveying ideas, values, and visions; offering imaginative approaches to communication and dialogue around complex issues; distilling information; and producing new knowledge and insights (European Marine Board, 2023). Art has the power to make the invisible visible. The multiple component outputs in this research work together to achieve these aims.

While this research began in response to the construction of the Viking Energy Wind Farm on Shetland’s Mainland, it has expanded significantly due to a combination of factors, including my ongoing learning and increased knowledge and awareness of the complexity of the issues; public responses to the research outputs disseminated to date (publications, exhibitions, conference talks and media coverage) and the constantly changing landscape of proposals for renewable energies and implementation of a just transition in Shetland, and further afield.

In 2021 payment was provided by a Swedish artists' collective to pay for production costs and shipping to Switzerland for the exhibition, Hidden Flowers Bloom Beautiful, which was also held simultaneously in Shetland. Subsequently REG funding has provided equipment to produce better quality photographic material and better facilitate editing.