Trouble in Paradise Climate Change in the Pacific Art Exhibition

Present at the exhibition was the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Hon Patricia Scotland KC who gave opening remarks regarding the essence of photography as a visual medium to promote and showcase the beauty of our islands as well as the challenges communities continue to face on a daily basis as a result of Climate Change.

The event took place at the Museum of Sāmoa in Malifa where many national delegates attended in support and recognition of the work of photographers around the Pacific. Images paint a thousand words and while those behind the lenses captured the loss and destruction, sea level rise, marine pollution and the drastic changes in weather patterns, their images also conveyed hope and demonstrated our resilience in the midst of these challenges.  The art of photography tells and narrates our stories to the world; the past, present and future of our islands.

Through photography, Pacific people can protest and advocate for Climate justice. “These photographs and their creators come as authentic voices, speaking to our shared global challenge, offering powerful and unique insight, vision and critique, coming in parts sombre, poignant celebratory and defiant. These are voices and vision we need.” – Professor Damon Sālesa, the Vice Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology.

ATA: CHOGM 2024 – The Art Show.