Ardi Gunawan Indonesian, b. 1983
The Sleazy Environmentalism exhibition features Ardi Gunawan's works, exploring environmentalism through queer theory, which critiques heteronormative norms. These pieces highlight the queer aspects of widely accepted environmental ideas.
In 16th-century Europe, bird-of-paradise specimens from Indonesia often arrived damaged, illustrating how natural history evolved from colonial fantasies and studies of imagined creatures.
Anti-naturalist views suggest that nature is constructed, not inherent. Ardi reimagines nature from a queer perspective, emphasizing the sexual, irrational, and humorous, challenging conventional understandings.
Ardi's approach contrasts with mainstream environmental advocacy, which emphasizes ""awareness."" This includes global initiatives for social change and reactions to greenwashing. The environmental movement urges more ethical and conscious behavior in response to unsustainable practices."