Dec 5, 2024

COP 29: PARTICIPATE! Exhibition

On November 14, within the framework of COP 29, SAWE opened the PARTICIPATE! exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The PARTICIPATE! exhibition was organized under the initiative of Tatiana Valovaya, Director General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), and in partnership with UNOG Geneva and IDEA Public Association, led by Leyla Aliyeva. This collaborative effort blended art, technology, and climate action to inspire greater environmental awareness.

Art Meets AI: Reimagining Classics Through a Climate Lens

A highlight of the exhibition was SAWE’s presentation of five unique AI-generated artworks that reimagined classical masterpieces through the lens of climate change. By using artificial intelligence, these artworks depicted how the natural landscapes in iconic paintings might look under the pressures of a changing climate. This innovative approach provided a powerful visual narrative, urging viewers to consider the consequences of human impact on the environment.

The exhibit served as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and nature, emphasizing the urgent need for climate consciousness and action.

Restoring Nature Through Art

Beyond observing art, Participate invited visitors to become part of the creative process. Attendees were provided paints and brushes to recreate Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies on a communal wall. This interactive activity symbolized the collective effort required to restore nature and underscored the role of creativity and collaboration in addressing the climate crisis.

The painting activity was more than an artistic exercise—it was a call to action. Participants, ranging from seasoned artists to first-time painters, joined together to contribute to a shared vision of hope and restoration.

A Celebration of Collaboration and Creativity

The Participate exhibition exemplified the power of partnerships, with SAWE, UNOG, and IDEA Public Association coming together to inspire meaningful dialogue about the environment. By merging art, AI, and public participation, the event resonated deeply with attendees, leaving them both inspired and empowered.

As COP 29 continued to drive global conversations on climate action, the Participate exhibition offered a unique space for reflection and engagement. It reminded everyone that art has the power not only to move hearts but also to motivate change.