ग्राफ़िक//Graphic
No I Don’t Wear Pants Yet // Visual Storytelling // Design Writting
The climate emergency department at University of the Arts London prompted our exploration as graphic designers within the sphere of climate justice. Collaborative efforts focused on Article 71 to 74 of the Ecuadorian Constitution(1}.
This legislation laid the foundation for global Rights of Nature laws which are the legal rights for ecosystems like rivers. The inquiry was to iteratively visualize Article 71 to 74 using the materiality and data of the river as a lens, with the aim of giving the river its own voice. Ecuador's 2008 Constitution formalized this recognition, marking a significant milestone. Inspired by these principles, we sought to translate legal language through the lens of the Vilcabamba River.
The process began with an exploration of the historical context, recognizing Christopher D. Stone's groundbreaking 1970 proposal advocating for nature’s legal rights. His visionary argument challenged traditional legal frameworks by suggesting that natural entities, such as rivers and forests, should be granted legal standing, paving the way for a broader discussion on environmental justice and the rights of the non-human world.
Through visual experimentation guided by collective principles which included methods of translating, re-contexualizing and archiving, the endeavored was to bridge the gap between formal legalities and the river's dynamic essence. The objective was to illuminate the interconnectedness between humans, nature, and law, reflecting on the evolving relationship between culture and the environment. This exploration prompted deeper questions about our place within these interconnected systems.
By infusing the river's perspective into our visual practice, we aimed to foster a more innovative approach to environmental discourse within graphic communication design. This endeavor sought to not only interpret legislation but also to advocate for a holistic understanding of our relationship with the natural world, advocating for environmental stewardship and justice.