Abstract:
Ecological art responds to environmental degradation and often aims to restore ecosystems
through arts practice. Some ecological artists devote their practice to motivating people
to protect small species, particularly by increasing awareness about the role these
creatures play in local ecosystems. In this article, I discuss two South African ecological
performance works that encouraged close attention, respect, and care for small species by
fostering environmental values. I argue that it is through walking, dialogue, and embodied
participation that sensorially engaged participants developed deeper understandings of the
fragile relationship between humans and non-human animals. By combining aesthetic and
educational components, both animal-endorsing performances encouraged an openness
and attentiveness towards the environment in the people who participated in the events.
