Take a hike : fostering environmental values by walking with ecological art

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.