Anish Kapoor's latest project, "Butchered," has taken an unconventional approach to climate activism. The British sculptor collaborated with Greenpeace to spray-paint a massive, red-streaked canvas down the side of a Shell oil rig in the North Sea. The artwork is not just visually striking but also serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of human activities on the environment.
Greenpeace campaigner Philip Evans explained that the project was conceived as a way to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for the climate chaos it's causing. "We wanted to do something big and bold that speaks to people not at an abstract level but at an emotional, almost visceral one," he said. The goal is to make visible the harm caused by fossil fuel giants and their responsibility for extreme weather events.
The artwork itself is a complex logistical operation, involving 1,000 liters of liquid, food-grade dye, beetroot powder, and seawater. Kapoor's use of pigments was central to the project, with the aim of creating a deep red color reminiscent of blood. The viscosity and color had to be just right to achieve the desired effect.
While some may see Greenpeace's efforts as less dramatic than those of students throwing soup at classic paintings, Evans argues that their approach is more ambitious. "We're part of that lineage of climate-driven artistic activism situated with strategy and precision," he said. The Polluters Pay Pact, a global alliance demanding that corporations pay for the damages they cause, is just one example of the concrete steps readers can take if moved by the artwork.
Ultimately, Kapoor's project serves as a wake-up call, encouraging people to think about the impact of their actions on the environment and demand more from governments and corporations. As Evans put it, "We need to draw everyone's attention to the industry that's fueling the climate crisis."
Greenpeace campaigner Philip Evans explained that the project was conceived as a way to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for the climate chaos it's causing. "We wanted to do something big and bold that speaks to people not at an abstract level but at an emotional, almost visceral one," he said. The goal is to make visible the harm caused by fossil fuel giants and their responsibility for extreme weather events.
The artwork itself is a complex logistical operation, involving 1,000 liters of liquid, food-grade dye, beetroot powder, and seawater. Kapoor's use of pigments was central to the project, with the aim of creating a deep red color reminiscent of blood. The viscosity and color had to be just right to achieve the desired effect.
While some may see Greenpeace's efforts as less dramatic than those of students throwing soup at classic paintings, Evans argues that their approach is more ambitious. "We're part of that lineage of climate-driven artistic activism situated with strategy and precision," he said. The Polluters Pay Pact, a global alliance demanding that corporations pay for the damages they cause, is just one example of the concrete steps readers can take if moved by the artwork.
Ultimately, Kapoor's project serves as a wake-up call, encouraging people to think about the impact of their actions on the environment and demand more from governments and corporations. As Evans put it, "We need to draw everyone's attention to the industry that's fueling the climate crisis."
... I mean, come on, Anish Kapoor and Greenpeace just make a mess of someone else's property and call it an art project? It's just vandalism, plain and simple. And don't even get me started on the 'strategic' part – it's just a bunch of hippies with a spray can 
... What really annoys me is that people are going to start thinking they're experts because they went to see this silly artwork. Meanwhile, what about the scientists who actually understand climate change? They're not getting the attention they deserve, and now everyone's running around like headless chickens, flailing their arms and shouting about pollution 
... Give me a break!
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! It's like, really bold and it makes you think about how our actions affect the planet. I was talking to my friends at school and we were all thinking the same thing - if we want to make some real change, we need to take action just like Greenpeace did 
. I'm not saying throwing soup at a painting isn't effective too 
, but Kapoor's project is on another level... it's like, how do you even execute something that big?! 
. I love how he collaborated with Greenpeace to make a statement that's both beautiful and brutal at the same time. That red streak on the oil rig is like, whoa! And I gotta say, 1,000 liters of dye? That's some crazy logistics 
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It's not just about making a statement, it's also about the art and science behind it - 1,000 liters of dye and all that jazz... I'm low-key impressed 
. And let's be real, it's like, totally bold and attention-grabbing. Greenpeace is on point with this one 
. The way they're using art to drive home the message about climate change is genius. We need more of this kinda activism in our lives! 
i mean what even is the point of art if its just gonna highlight how messed up we are as humans for real though i love how greenpeace is using art to make ppl think about climate change and hold corporations accountable their approach might not be dramatic like throwing soup at a painting but its so much more thought out and strategic in my opinion 
its like a giant red warning sign saying hey humans are messing up our planet and it's time to change. i love that greenpeace collaborated with him to make a statement about climate activism. 
the fact that it took 1,000 liters of liquid and food-grade dye just to get the color right is insane 
. And don't even get me started on the whole 'corporate accountability' thing... how about we try some real economic solutions instead of just slapping a red stamp on an oil rig and calling it a day 
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but in a good way? Like, I'm all for making people think about the impact of their actions on the environment and stuff. But at the same time, I don't know if spray-painting a giant red streak down a Shell oil rig is the most practical solution...I mean, it's definitely gonna spark some conversation, though 
. But I guess when you're trying to make a point, sometimes you gotta get creative...or in this case, kinda destructive 
. This artwork is more than just a PR stunt, it's a wake-up call and I'm so here for it 
But what really gets me is how Kapoor's project is using creativity to hold corporations accountable for their actions. It's a wake-up call, for sure 
. I love how Greenpeace is using artistic activism as a strategy to bring about change. The Polluters Pay Pact is a great example of concrete action we can take as individuals. We need more people like Kapoor and Greenpeace pushing boundaries and making us think about our impact on the planet 
i think i'm gonna try making some myself this weekend lol anyway back to Anish Kapoor's artwork... i love how bold and striking it is! the way it uses beetroot powder to create that deep red color is so cool 
i'm not really into art, but there's just something about this piece that resonates with me. maybe it's because it's a wake-up call for us all to take care of our planet 
And don't get me wrong, I'm all for raising awareness about climate change and holding corporations accountable, but can't we think outside the box (or in this case, the art canvas)? 
. Don't get me wrong, it's visually striking and all that, but is it going to actually change the narrative? I'm not convinced that corporations are going to start paying for their own damages overnight 