Art as a Messenger for Climate Change: A New Exhibition in Baku Takes the Stage Ahead of COP29

In a world increasingly marred by the effects of climate change, art has emerged as an unexpected, yet powerful, platform for raising awareness and sparking conversations on environmental responsibility. One such endeavor is the exhibition "A Different Kind of Climate," currently on display at Kapellhaus with support from the Goethe-Institut. The timing of this exhibition is no coincidence, aligning with the upcoming COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Baku from November 11 to 22. The exhibition seeks to engage audiences on pressing ecological issues, blending local and international perspectives.

A Dialogue Between Past and Present

Art critic Ulkar Aliyeva, who attended the exhibition, described it as a unique experience for Azerbaijani audiences, setting itself apart with an unconventional approach. At the heart of the display is an installation featuring an automobile, a striking visual reminder of the environmental damage caused by industrialization. Aliyeva noted that the piece, titled “Mobbile,” was originally conceptualized by German artist Gustav Metzger over 50 years ago, making its first appearance in Baku an especially poignant moment.

Curated by Sonja Lau, the exhibition brings together Metzger’s historic installation with a sound piece by local artist Ilkin Huseynov. Metzger, an influential figure in the world of art and activism, was known for his concept of "auto-destructive art," a form designed to highlight the self-destructive tendencies of modern civilization. Aliyeva highlighted Metzger’s work as a critique of the negative impacts of technology, industrialization, and war on society and the environment.

“Metzger’s art was not just about aesthetics,” said Aliyeva. “It was a statement on the destructive forces of human activity. He proposed that art should not only be created but also destroyed as part of the process, symbolizing the environmental damage inflicted by industrial progress.”

A Warning from the Past

The exhibition’s centerpiece, "Mobbile," originally created in 1970, was a response to the growing environmental movement of the time. Metzger used the installation to draw attention to the detrimental effects of industrial waste and pollution. The reimagined version in Baku features a car enclosed within a large plexiglass cube. Exhaust fumes from the engine are directed into the transparent enclosure, where plants struggle to survive in the toxic atmosphere — a stark depiction of the suffocating effects of pollution.

“The plants inside the cube slowly wither, representing the irreversible damage caused by unchecked industrial activity,” Aliyeva explained. “The installation becomes a powerful metaphor for the ecological crises we face today.”

Bridging Global and Local Perspectives

A unique aspect of the exhibition is the artistic dialogue between Metzger’s historic work and a contemporary piece by Azerbaijani artist Ilkin Huseynov. Huseynov, known for his explorations of urbanization, ecology, and memory, created a sound installation specifically for this exhibition. His work captures the soundscapes of Baku during the city’s annual Formula 1 event, blending the roar of engines with immersive audio compositions. The result is an auditory experience that brings the viewer into the chaotic, noisy reality of modern urban life.

“Huseynov’s sound installation adds a local context to the global message of Metzger’s piece,” Aliyeva remarked. “It reminds us that climate change is not an abstract issue but one that affects our daily lives and immediate environment.”

Art as a Tool for Change

The exhibition, through its experimental approach, aims to emphasize the collective responsibility of addressing environmental challenges. It holds particular significance in Azerbaijan, a country whose economy is deeply tied to the oil and gas industry. The display urges viewers to rethink their relationship with nature and consider the broader implications of industrialization and pollution.

Aliyeva believes the exhibition has successfully resonated with its audience. “The strong visual and auditory elements leave a lasting impact, prompting viewers to reflect on the personal and generational consequences of environmental degradation. Art has the unique ability to evoke emotional responses and provoke thought, which can be a powerful catalyst for change,” she said.

A Call to Action

The timing of “A Different Kind of Climate” is especially pertinent, as it coincides with COP29, where global leaders will gather to negotiate and discuss measures to combat climate change. Aliyeva noted that the exhibition’s success lies in its ability to merge the global narrative of climate action with a local perspective, making it both relatable and impactful for the Azerbaijani audience.

“Through the dialogue between an international and a local artist, the exhibition offers a dual perspective on climate issues, demonstrating that the problem is both a global concern and a local reality. It highlights that individual actions, informed by awareness and education, can contribute to a broader collective effort against climate change.”

The exhibition will run until November 20, and additional events related to its themes are expected to take place during the COP29 conference. As Aliyeva concluded, “This is a reminder that even small steps, like visiting an art exhibition, can be part of a larger journey toward embracing ecological values and making lifestyle changes.”

In a city poised to host crucial climate talks, the exhibition stands as a timely reminder of the power of art to inspire, educate, and mobilize action in the face of one of the greatest challenges of our time.