The art world is filled with many experimental methods, and environmental art is one of them. World-renowned environmental activist and artist Leyla Aliyeva explains what makes environmental art a rare standout.

This modality of art uses a traditional setting to transport a modern observation. Learn more about what this means from the environmental artist Leyla Aliyeva.

What is environmental art?

Historically, artists attempted to convey their message on a one-dimensional, often personal level. By illustrating layers in nature, painters tried to demonstrate the complexity of nature itself.

Environmental art, however, has a different agenda. According to Leyla Aliyeva, environmental art results from removing the individual from the equation and focusing on the collective.

Environmental art focuses on showing the sides of nature that are not always picturesque. That doesn't mean it is about showing gruesome images of animals in meat factories or other types of atrocities.

For Aliyeva, environmental art is a medium to deliver beautiful imagery that also carries meaning. For example, when a photographer takes a picture of a polar bear, that could be an achievement. However, a photo with the same polar bear standing on a dissolving iceberg can achieve something even more significant.

Capturing environmental art means capturing the essence of a crisis of some sort through the eyes of conventional imagery.

The first environmental art emerged in the 1960s when climate change became more apparent.

The beauty of it is that this art form is not reserved for pure intellectuals.

In modern art, splashes of paint are looked at as depictures of human suffering. Environmental art is an accessible medium since it carries a message of great magnitude, Leyla Aliyeva says.

Today the volume of artworks that incorporate environmental messaging is astronomic. Nature artists have rapidly joined this trend, consistently providing their art form with greater meaning and personality.


For Leyla Aliyeva, environmental art is a medium to deliver beautiful imagery that also carries meaning.
Image by Tatiana Syrikova

Leyla Aliyeva's environmental artwork

Leyla Aliyeva, a long-time supporter of this medium, is an optimist in the fight against climate change. When describing the importance of such initiatives, she often mentions the subject of time.

The importance of environmental artworks may not be those of immediate effect, but they represent a more significant cause. Those who act in the name of the environment are aware the process is slow and, hopefully, rewarding.

Leyla Aliyeva exercises environmental activism through her organization, IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action). IDEA works in both the educational and the activism domains.

Amongst the organization's initiatives, there are art https://baku-magazine.com/news/live-life-tbilisi/" target="_blank">exhibitions portraying art pieces created by Leyla Aliyeva around environmental art in Azerbaijan.

Aliyeva, as an artist, points out that educational and physical actions are vital for preservation in countries like Azerbaijan. The challenge is to show future generations what is at stake while also challenging the status quo.

Therefore, IDEA organizes summits to preserve endangered species and exhibit art in public spaces. The balance between preaching your cause Leyla Aliyeva has made it her life's goal to assist the world.

To Aliyeva, a world that was neglected by man long before she was born. Humanity is nearing the point of no return, and so far, it hasn't realized it.

It will make many changes for society to be able to look at the climate crisis in the rearview mirror. The struggle to change the world is at a critical point, and everything from environmental art to life preservation is necessary.

Everything from environmental art to life preservation is essential in the fight to change the world.


Leyla Aliyeva is helping the environment through her art
Image by Gustavo Fring

Why is environmental art important for our current climate?

The importance of environmental art cannot be overstated. Although it is not at the forefront of the fight against climate change, it sure takes a crucial part.

In Leyla Aliyeva's view, a problem cannot be solved solely by providing immediate solutions. A global and collective problem cannot be solved only through physical measures.

Humanity must treat the issues of global changes. It is also crucial that humankind will be aware of the troubles it currently causes. Otherwise, solving any problem will act as a band-aid rather than a long-term solution.

Consumers of art today are not necessarily those of the past. If, in the last 100 years, art was reserved for art galleries and museums, the situation has changed rapidly.

Art is much more accessible today thanks to social media, where everyone is a potential Vincent Van Goh. That gives environmental art the exposure it could have never had when it started in 1960.

These issues would have caused less resistance in today's youth if they weren't faced with daily consequences. Countless social media pages and websites are dedicated to environmental art, creating a sense of volume and urgency.

Why is that important? Unfortunately, the volume speaks louder to the general population today than the purpose. Many examples of environmental art can show its importance to as many people as possible.