Justin Brice Guariglia
Responsibility
Statement
Environmental Responsibility Statement
As an artist whose work critically engages with the environmental crises of our time, I recognize both the responsibility and potential of cultural production in the face of ecological collapse. My practice is rooted in interrogating human impact on the planet—especially as it relates to climate change and biodiversity loss — and in creating work that serves as a visual and conceptual catalyst for urgent reflection and systemic change.
But this belief also requires internal accountability. The art world, like many other sectors, has a environmental footprint. As such, I am actively reimagining my own studio practice through a lens of sustainability and responsibility. This includes:
Sustainable Studio Practices
- Implementing renewable energy sources to power my studio whenever possible.
- Prioritizing non-toxic, recyclable, and biodegradable materials, and reducing production waste wherever possible.
- Exploring ways to repurpose waste materials into new works, emphasizing circularity in material use.
Travel and Shipping
- Reducing air travel, and opting for sea or rail freight for international artwork shipments whenever possible.
- Choosing low-emission options, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, for all local transport, installation, and travel related to exhibitions.
Collective Action and Advocacy
- Working with coalitions like the Gallery Climate Coalition and Artists Commit to help develop and promote best practices in sustainable exhibition making.
- Supporting institutional change by advocating for carbon literacy, sustainable packaging, and low-impact exhibition design within museums and galleries.
My work is deeply informed by the understanding that the effects of climate change are unevenly distributed. The most vulnerable communities—often those who have contributed least to the crisis—face the gravest consequences. Accountability and transparency are not fixed goals but rather a continuous process. I am committed to measuring the environmental impact of my practice, publicly reporting progress, and remaining open to critique, dialogue, and evolution.
Through these commitments, I hope to contribute to a broader shift in the cultural sector—one in which greater ecologies are integral to how we create, exhibit, and engage with art. I welcome collaboration, scrutiny, and shared learning as we move toward a more just and ecologically resilient future.