Climate Justice
Mountain View, CA
2023, Senior, Art
Climate Hero: Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
Reflection
I recognized environmental activist Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim because of her unique take on climate change and how we can fight against it. Ibrahim emphasized the need for both science and indigenous wisdom in fighting climate change. In the past, she has done extraordinary work with the nomadic community of Chad. Concurrently, she has worked closely with scientists. What inspired me the most was the fact that she not only advocated against climate change and worked hard towards saving endangered ecosystems, but also pushed for greater inclusion of indigenous people in this global fight. I am interested in the arts because I can express my thoughts and create a powerful message for the viewer. Over the past few years, I have taken my passion and talent for art further by displaying my art and creating works that can educate, raise awareness, or simply leave a lasting impact on the audience. For this piece, I chose to depict Inbrahim in nature, surrounded by beautiful and diverse habitats. I chose to include different types of trees, water, land, etc., to show the interweaving of different habitats. As I painted, I felt a sense of calm and tranquility. The natural world surrounding Inbrahim seemed to radiate an aura of peace and harmony, and it was as if I could hear the gentle rustling of leaves and the soothing sounds of water flowing nearby. I knew that this piece was special, not only because of the message it conveyed, but also because it was a reflection of the deep connection between humanity and nature. Through my artwork, I wanted to convey the message that climate change is not just a scientific or "far away" issue, but also a deeply personal and spiritual one. We need to recognize our interconnectedness with the natural world and understand that our actions have consequences not only for ourselves but for all living beings on this planet. In creating this piece, I hope to inspire others to take action, embrace the wisdom of all cultures, and work together towards a better future for all.