As visual artists with foundations in communications, education, and research, WALSH/BLAZING draw upon research outcomes to inform their work and optimize the effectiveness of environmental messaging using art and art experiences.
The Changing Worlds foundational series is a multimedia body of work combining installation, video, painting, photography, sculpture and large-scale projection. The goal of this visual arts practice is to awaken viewers to the crisis we face and prompt conversation about the overwhelming scientific evidence that underscores the necessity for collective action in favor of sustainable solutions. The approach of using a storytelling narrative with imagery that is local and relatable is informed by studies of the most effective ways to engage the public with climate change issues.
WALSH/BLAZING has evolved the Changing Worlds project with each exhibit opportunity.
The Changing Worlds foundational series is a multimedia body of work combining installation, video, painting, photography, sculpture and large-scale projection. The goal of this visual arts practice is to awaken viewers to the crisis we face and prompt conversation about the overwhelming scientific evidence that underscores the necessity for collective action in favor of sustainable solutions. The approach of using a storytelling narrative with imagery that is local and relatable is informed by studies of the most effective ways to engage the public with climate change issues.
WALSH/BLAZING has evolved the Changing Worlds project with each exhibit opportunity.
Major milestones of the project:
Phase 1: Changing Worlds Now was on view for a month at Pleiades Arts in Durham, NC as the centerpiece of an Earth Month exhibit. Programming arranged by WALSH/BLAZING included public talks by a climate scientist, filmmakers, documentary photographers , and an exclusive screening of the Academy Award winning film, The House of Small Cubes by Kunio Kato.
Phase 1: Changing Worlds Now was on view for a month at Pleiades Arts in Durham, NC as the centerpiece of an Earth Month exhibit. Programming arranged by WALSH/BLAZING included public talks by a climate scientist, filmmakers, documentary photographers , and an exclusive screening of the Academy Award winning film, The House of Small Cubes by Kunio Kato.
Feedback specific to the Changing Worlds Now video installation:
Phase 2: Changing Worlds: Durham was a large-scale animated video projection on the exterior of 21C Museum Hotel/Durham as part of the Happening event curated by Pierce Freelon, Justin Tornow, and Saba Taj, with support from Downtown Durham, Inc. and technical support from Kontech Systems. Hundreds of people assembled at the plaza engaged with the imagery.
Phase 3: The WALSH/BLAZING solo exhibit Turning Point at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC featured their Changing Worlds Now multimedia animated projection installation in addition to 17 WALSH/BLAZING paintings, assemblage sculptures, video display, and interactive opportunities for visitors. Sharing this work in an academic setting enabled students, faculty, and visitors from an array of disciplines and perspectives to address the existential threat of climate change through the unique lens of visual arts. Visitors contributed their perspectives and wrote letters to their senators in support of policies to address climate concerns.
Phase 4: Changing Worlds Now is recognized with a top juror's award at the inaugural 2023 Uproar Festival of Public Art showcasing 60 large-scale, bold works of art throughout the downtown areas of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, NC. In addition to the projection, Changing Worlds Now was the sole work to include an interactive opportunity for visitors to contribute their thoughts anonymously, which were then displayed alongside the projection throughout the course of the festival.
Phase 5: WALSH/BLAZING is currently seeking projection opportunities in a museum setting.