Hashel Al Lamki: My footprint on the planet

  • In 2023 I decided to integrate sustainability into my artistic process by acknowledging, measuring and reducing my carbon impact and...
    Hashel Al Lamki, ADNOC Gas Station (2019). Acrylic on canvas. (2019). Image courtesy of Warehouse421 and the artist

    In 2023 I decided to integrate sustainability into my artistic process by acknowledging, measuring and reducing my carbon impact and by embedding circular thinking in my work. My statement and commitment can be read below. I have completed my baseline carbon footprint for the year 2021 as required as part of my Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC) membership. The carbon footprint of my artistic practice for 2021 was a total of 12.4 tCO2e, the equivalent of the footprint of a small gallery in Europe. My 2023 carbon footprint will be shared in January 2024. The total 2021 carbon footprint is 21.7  tCO2e, the equivalent of the footprint of a small gallery in Europe.  The footprint was calculated using the GCC online calculator and managed by UreCulture who are supporting me on my sustainability journey, the footprint details and breakdown is below.

     

     

     

     

  • Hashel Al Lamki 2021 Carbon Footprint 

     

     
     
     
     

  • My sustainability statement  

    Conceptually, my art highlights the intricate connections between humans and nature, emphasising the need for responsible practices that protect the environment and maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystem. The prevailing pattern of excessive human consumption has unfortunately resulted in environmental degradation and the depletion of resources. However my intention is that my contribution goes beyond the themes explored in my art and extends to how I engage with the Earth and its resources. 

    My aim is actively work towards an artistic practice, and approach for my studio’s activities, that aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement's objective to reduce global greenhouse emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on our planet.

    As a step towards these ambitions, I’ve joined the artists and key figures from the art community who are members of the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC). The organisation is pioneering the effort to create an environmentally responsible art world with the primary goal to facilitate a reduction of the sector’s CO2e emissions by a minimum of 50% by 2030, as well as promoting zero waste.  From a circular and waste point of view, when possible, I engage natural resources and upcycling is also a fundamental aspect of my creative process. 

    My aspiration is that, as an artist, I can influence others to think and act with sustainability and mindfulness as guiding principles, thereby contributing to raising awareness about one of the most significant challenges of our era: the future of our planet and its inhabitants. Artists hold a unique position to lead by example as agents of change. Through my sustainability efforts, I aim to motivate others to follow suit.

    My sustainability commitment 

    Carbon & Earth’s Resources 

    • Measure and reduce my carbon footprint where possible and submit my carbon footprint annually to GCC 

    • Share my carbon footprint transparently in the hope that it will inspire individual accountability and create awareness of our impact on the planet.

    • Obtain GCC Active Membership for the year 2023 

    • Embody an artistic practice that is based on the principles of circularity and minimises waste, including prioritising the use of sustainable materials 

    • Build guidelines and policies for my studio so that  the institutions, partners and supply chain providers I work with also support and comply with my sustainability commitment 

    Donations through Strategic Climate Funds 

    • Contribute to social and conservation initiatives through Strategic Climate Funds  in acknowledgement of my carbon footprint. It's important to note that these contributions are not offsets for my carbon emissions, they serve as an act of responsibility and reflect my commitment to restoring and regenerating our planet.

    Art as an agent for change 

    • Continue to build to themes, narratives and discourse related to humanity’s relationship with nature in the my art to build awareness for the environmental and social challenges we face today 

    •  Lead by example in applying  sustainability work to my artistic practice 

    17 November 2023