For the 10th anniversary of EXPO CHICAGO, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) has partnered with Art at a Time Like This (ATLT) to create HOW ON EARTH, a climate-focused exhibit from acclaimed artists Janet Biggs, Lily Kwong, Helina Metaferia and Jennifer Wen Ma. The exhibit, spanning a variety of mediums, will showcase the power of artists who are inspiring hope and action in their artwork to address the climate crisis, and spotlight the disproportionate burden climate impacts have on women. HOW ON EARTH will be accompanied by a series of free, public programming highlighting local Chicago artists grappling with environmental issues in their own practices.

“As we celebrate 10 years of EXPO CHICAGO and serving as one of its original special exhibition partners, we wanted an opportunity to celebrate the transformational power artists play in the climate movement,” said Elizabeth Corr, Associate Director of Arts and Cultural Partnerships at NRDC. “Each of our featured artists has a unique approach to driving social change through their work–mirroring how each of us can support climate justice.”

Through this curatorial partnership with ATLT, the exhibit will transform the common dystopian portrayal of the climate crisis–centering women’s perspectives and art as a key driver of action and hope. 

“If we want to move forward in addressing and solving issues regarding environmental justice, we need great artists who are ahead of the current thinking,” said Anne Verhallen, Co-Founder of ATLT. "Collaborating with advocates as well respected as NRDC helps us bring artists to the forefront of the national conversation on climate change."

“We are embattled in an existential fight against climate collapse, and my home state of California is quite literally on fire,” said Kwong, whose installation MOTHERFIRE will display 55 Shou Sugi Ban posts, representing devastated forests and sprouting regenerative plants. “My commitment to serve the environment through artistic expression, explore a spiritual connection to nature and share the wisdom of plant life only deepens as our mighty forests fight for their lives.”  

In addition to the in-booth exhibit, Ma will also create a large-scale, interactive tidal wave installation using traditional Chinese paper cutting techniques. The changing condition of decay of the paper over the course of the fair underscores the dire situation of the environment that hangs in the balance. The installation, located at the entrance to the fair, will serve as the backdrop for EXPO CHICAGO’s live events and performances spotlighting local talent. 

“Art plays an important role in affecting social change by challenging the viewer to learn about an issue and hopefully inspire them to participate in action,” said Tony Karman, President and Director of EXPO CHICAGO. “We are deeply proud of our legacy of collaboration with NRDC as thousands of patrons continue to experience the evolving interconnectedness between art and the climate movement.”