what can art be and do? (shale gas development in the cévennes 2)

as a follow-up to the previous post, just let me post this link to a very informative news article on shale gas development in the cévennes on french news online.

in the recent posts, environmental issues feature prominently. one could ask if an art blog is the best place for these concerns, but i'm inclined to allow it (...;-)). first of all, one can't cut up the world in subjects and expect to never have to redefine or rethink categories. second, a real and important issue for me is the role of art in society. and a major role imnsho is to raise awareness about fundamental issues that society faces.

so, although this is not primarily meant as a protest blog, from time to time i will post on issues which i hold to be fundamental in arriving at a better society and world.

and this just begs the question: how many famous works of art are about environmental protection??

protest song against shale gas development in the cévennes

(in french, by my brother kees waaldijk, a gifted musician who obviously shares my environmental concerns...)



the cévennes form a beautiful natural region and national park in southern France, near avignon and nîmes. shale gas development is being increasingly criticized for its environmental impact and health hazards.


in the cévennes (photo by havang).

nuclear energy & earthquake japan

i am very sorry to see my very recent admonishments about the dangers of nuclear energy viz. natural disasters proved true by the completely dreadful earthquake which occurred last week in japan. i hope the people there will manage to contain the damage, and overcome this terrible adversity.

i also hope this will finally set people thinking about our completely irresponsible way of creating nuclear pollution for ages and ages to come.

when will we learn that we should not burden the next generations with our problems? when are we going to say: the buck stops here?