Constellations versus hero: a conversation with Mary Miss

Abstract: By developing frameworks of carefully structured art, science, and urban community collaborations, City as Living Laboratory (CALL) forms constellations of projects that aim to make tangible and address environmental concerns, including the climate crisis, urban equity, and health. Founded by the artist Mary Miss, CALL denies the singularity and monumentality of many public art works to instead focus on ‘constellations’ of situated walks, conversations, and initiatives that lead to specific projects. This article, structured around an interview with Mary Miss, discusses the potential of art practices that organise to create change, empowering people and transforming marginalised landscapes. It reveals how such practices can make visible local environmental conditions while also addressing challenges of the climate crisis.

Keywords: Art, science, community, landscape, environment, climate crisis.

Article posted to the Journal of the British Academy, volume 9, supplementary issue 5 (Climate Activism)