Pletts: ‘CLIMATE’ — A photography exhibition at the Aspen Chapel Gallery

Who among the human family keeps their nest clean on Earth? “CLIMATE” is a collection of eleven photographers, curated by photographer Greg Watts, and features artists devoted to our nest. Having viewed art for six decades across Europe and the U.S., there are uncommon works exhibited here unlike any others. Extraordinary.

Deb Shannan exhibits “Cyanotypes toned with weld.” These delicate images of plants are in categories: Witness, Sensitive, and General Species. She shows that the older “witnesses” have seen much and that the “sensitive” ones are altered by our actions. And because her process is lengthy and includes plant material, I was drawn in by sheer substance to think like a plant.

Katalin Domoszlay also made me look closer. Her precise “Archival inkprints on metal” are close-up images of fresh snow with dark openings. I found myself staring for several minutes. What is in there?

Sallie Dean Shatz exhibits large photographs of natural wonders that are altered. The most compelling are two images of the size of the Great Salt Lake only a few years apart. We see what we have most likely caused.

Aspen has been fortunate to be home to many National Geographic photographers over decades. They greatly influenced my falling in love with my planet. But many of us have seen such images for a long time. What actually makes us stop our bad habits like buying unnecessary plastics and driving too much? I asked this question of the artists.

Pete McBride told me that he has experienced positive results from his filmmaking. In particular, his film “Into the Canyon” got folks to show up and protest a gondola proposed for our Grand Canyon. In “CLIMATE,” he exhibits a shocking color photograph (without photoshop) of a cow in India standing in a burning trash field. The blessed creature looked at me as if to say, “Are you the one who made this mess?” Pete says, “I shine light on what most people don’t pay attention to.”

Greg Poschman pleased and surprised. As a county commissioner, I have observed him taking more of a stand for our environment. And as a photographer, he exhibits rare evocative images. One of his works portrays a so-called fashion shoot with water coming up to the ankles. At first, I thought, “Yes, I have known about this for some time.” But making crisis visual takes awareness a step further. 

Summers Moore does something that may not impress those thwarted by “negative” images. And yet many may be inspired to act. Viewers told me that seeing an extinct species on the left with disinterested young people on the right with cell phones, their backs turned to the animals, demonstrates cause and effect. Her works are of dioramas in the Natural History Museum in NYC. They are gigantic and exquisitely printed.

Overall, I wish there were more images of renewal and reconstruction, to empower us to live in balance. Photographs by Seth Andersen, Joe Baldwin, Andres Better, and Theo Corwin are also included.

I am reading “Harmony,” a book by King Charles III of England. This is the opening: “This is a call to revolution. The Earth is under threat. It cannot cope with all that we demand of it. It is losing its balance, and we humans are causing this to happen.” (Funny, a British king calls for revolution!) I am well aware of the dubious track records of European monarchies, but this book should likely be required reading for every head of state on Earth. It is one of the best comprehensive compilations about what humans must change and how we can do it.

From this life-time environmentalist, I say the crisis primarily effects the human species and other animals. Our Earth has tremendous restorative power and can kick us off if she wants. I want to stay. I love smelling roses, swimming in clean sea water, and watching dolphins jump, just a few wondrous things here.

The Aspen Chapel Gallery celebrates 40 years! It was started by Connie Madsen and Tom Ward. “CLIMATE” runs through July 6. A discussion with a representative from Wilderness Workshop happens on Wednesday, June 11 (full moon!) at 6 p.m. Don’t miss it.