“This exhibition was on view at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA, with five themed spaces dedicated to wide-ranging aspects of the climate crisis. The exhibition acted as a counter-narrative for the often suggested point of no return from climate change and emphasised that solutions remain within sight. Through dynamic display and crossing several artistic disciplines, this 27-artist show provided commentary, reflection, and creative therapeutic strategies” — Vaishnavi Patil, Harvard University, Water Stories

Originally the product of an open call, Points of Return began life online during the first COVID lockdown, evolving to become a large-scale and highly praised exhibition of thought-provoking projects by artists who examine wide ranging aspects of the climate emergency, offering original commentary and imagining ways humankind can restore its natural bond with the environment. Artists were selected for the exhibition by A La Luz (David Cass & Gonzaga Gómez-Cortázar) with the help of a jury, including: Joseph Calleja, artist; Luce Choules, artist & writer, founder of TSOEG.org; Inés García, artist; Begoña Izquierdo, biologist & activist; Anna Macleod, artist; Miranda Massie, director of The Climate Museum; Elizabeth Monoian & Robert Ferry, founders & directors of the Land Art Generator; and Yasmine Ostendorf, founder of the Green Art Lab Alliance.

The first physical exhibition took place in Concord, MA (USA) where in the 19th century the naturalist movement – which would become the contemporary environmental movement in America – was born, thanks to writers and philosophers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. We are now at a time in history where the environment is at the centre of the issues that humanity must address. It made sense to bring the project to a place, where over two-hundred years ago, great creative minds started discussing the importance of the natural world.

This expansive ongoing project features works that illustrate some of the key issues we face as we approach what many describe as a “point of no return”, bringing to the surface the problematic relationship the human species has toward planet Earth, highlighting how human activity has, without doubt, induced climate breakdown.

Often, it is the missing emotional element which inhibits our ability to connect with climate science. For this reason, the curators designed Points of Return so as to describe a journey, through which the visitor might feel and hear something of the Earth itself, and from those affected by recent climatic shifts.

As exhibition visitors progressed through The Umbrella Arts Center, they encountered climate tipping points – worst case future scenarios which equate to a total loss of control – but also opportunities which may allow us to turn away from so-called runaway climate change. To visualise these points of return, the exhibition proposed a reversal of time. By navigating the gallery anticlockwise, visitors explored five themed spaces: Eclipse, Heat, Retreat, Ground and Return; following a creative narrative from despair to optimism.

The Umbrella’s art director Stephanie Marlin-Curiel poignantly states that the artists “give voice to the Earth as an agent in telling its own story.” Artist Elizabeth Awalt writes that “Points of Return broadened my view of environmental art. Through painting, sculpture, photography, installation and video I was moved by the visual presentations and then curious to know more about how the work related to the climate crisis.”

“Sometimes we want to turn away from tough issues in art”, Awalt observes, “but Points of Return conveys important themes in an accessible manner, through a variety of media and by highlighting the work of both emerging and established artists. It is a visually rich collection of art dedicated to the most critical issues of our time.”

Artist & scientist Adriana G. Prat adds to this with: “The intimate yet dynamic setting, with various floor levels and ambiances ... and the variety of artists’ approaches and perspectives provided powerful storytelling that encouraged contemplation and rumination on the various stages of our relation to the crisis. I hope more artists and venues continue to create these conversations to influence the cultural shift we desperately need for its resolution.”

Earthwatch founder Brian Rosborough describes Points of Return as “original and timely.”