Moderated by Willow Defebaugh, Editor-in-Chief of Atmos and a passionate advocate for environmental storytelling, this panel brings together innovative artists from The Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature. These artists transform discarded materials into complelling artistic creations, exploring themes of sustainability, cultural heritage, and creative expression.
The panel features The Revival, Rafael Kouto, Peter D. Abayomi, Ruby Okoro, and Delali Cofie. In the segment The Story Behind the Image, each artist will present their work on stage, sharing personal narratives and insights into their creative processes as their images are projected on a large screen.
Following the presentations, a group discussion will delve into how these artists use recycled materials to address environmental concerns, preserve endangered creative practices, and challenge conventional aesthetics. Their work ranges from upcycled couture that merges African and Western influences to collaborative explorations of zero-waste design using plant-based materials.
Guided by Defebaugh’s expertise, the conversation will celebrate the transformative potential of sustainable practices in art and design. By reimagining what is discarded, these artists not only reduce waste but also infuse their creations with cultural narratives and innovative design solutions. This discussion highlights how recycling and upcycling can inspire profound creative expression and serve as powerful tools for environmental activism.