How effective are artists in communicating concerns about the environment?

The everyday litre of London negatively impacting the environment.

Sumer Erek's transformation of the polluting newspapers into a phenomenal structure

A busy London train filled with locals reading newspapers

Artists, particularly Sumer Erek, are highly effective in communicating concerns about the environment, as they find important environmental issues and raise awareness of them in powerful and engaging artistic methods.

For example, Erek uses his subject matter of the recycled newspaper house in 'Newspaper House' to communicate the meaning of a house as a place of storage, identity, and belonging, challenging his audience to be accountable and responsible environmental custodians. Erek stated “there is a very direct relationship with the meaning of the Newspaper House — it’s a dwelling, a social space, a sanctuary.” His work thus urges members of society to value the environment in the same way they value their homes, successfully conveying his concerns about environmental conservation.

Along with this, the artwork represents the particular issue of environmental sustainability. It emphasises to local communities just how valuable everyday items can be, beyond their initial use. Erek has communicated the importance of using every resource to its fullest, in order to avoid excess waste. He has stated, “we are losing the space we live, work and function in. We are filling it up with our waste.” This reinforces his passion for environmental awareness, as his artwork visually symbolises the enduring utility of everyday materials like newspaper, clearly emphasising how Erek effectively communicated his concerns about the environment.