Visual Parables and Environmental Ethics

• In Event: The Arts and Environmental Advocacy: Imagination, Responsibility and Utility

Abstract

Many environmental problems are not visible to the human eye. Yet visual artists can represent what is “invisible” through imaginary depictions. Utopian scenes and dystopian visions have all been used by visual artists to sound warnings and possibilities about the bio-physical world and human responses to the natural environment. This paper offers and explores the term, “visual parables” as a powerful strategy used by visual artists. Classical work such as Thomas Cole’s five paintings, The Course of Empire (1834-1836), Sanford Gifford’s Twilight on Hunter Mountain, (1866) will be compared with contemporary artists Robert and Shanna Parke Harrison’s series The Architect’s Brother (1993-2001) to discuss the implications of visual parables for environmental ethics and actions.

Author

• Diane Hope, Rochester Institute of Technology