Bigger than us, All around us, Within us
by Béatrice des Boscs
France
About the Work
This artwork makes methane personal by portraying it as a vivid, knotted cloud invading the human body. Inspired by the colourful forms seen in optical gas imaging of leaking fossil fuel infrastructure, the methane surrounds and penetrates a vulnerable human figure, evoking claustrophobia, exposure and powerlessness. The yarn curls through the throat and lungs, symbolising methane's impact on health and climate, whilst the bleached, punctured portrait suggests its draining effects. Crochet, traditionally associated with care and repair, creates a striking contrast with the negligence of methane pollution. Its interlocking loops also suggest something that can be undone: just as human actions created the problem, human action can unravel it. The work ultimately highlights the urgency of reducing fossil fuel methane emissions. The technologies and policies already exist; what is needed is the political will to implement them.
About the Artist
Béatrice des Boscs
France
Béa is a 25-year-old multidisciplinary artist and musician from Haute-Savoie, France, currently living in London. Alongside her artistic practice, she works as a policy analyst at a climate non-profit, specialising in lobbying within the aviation sector. Her professional engagement with climate policy informs her awareness of environmental issues, whilst her creative work is grounded in the textures, observations and experiences of everyday life. She works across a range of techniques, including drawing, crochet, papier-mâché and linocut, allowing her to explore different forms of making and visual expression. When she is not working, you can find her at an open mic night, seeing live music, tending to her local community garden, or practicing with her band Undercover Marbles.