The Resurgence of Ecofeminism: A Movement for Survival and Hope

Ecofeminism, a philosophy that emerged in the 1970s at the intersection of environmental, feminist, social justice, and antinuclear activism, has long sought to challenge the patriarchal and capitalist systems that exploit both women and nature. It advocates for collaboration, recognizing humanity’s dependence on ecosystems and the sanctity of all life. However, by the 1990s, the movement faced criticism for stereotyping and equating women with nature, leading to its decline. Yet, in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic and the global rise of social and environmental justice movements, such as Black Lives Matter, have reignited interest in ecofeminism. Curator Catherine Taft, who initially set out to create a retrospective on the movement, found herself reframing it as a forward-looking strategy for survival in the 21st century. Her exhibition, Life on Earth, opened in February 2024 in The Hague, Netherlands, alongside TEFAF Maastricht’s Focus initiative, which highlights historic and contemporary ecofeminist artists. Together, these shows underscore the evolution and relevance of ecofeminism today.

Juliana Seraphim: A Pioneer of Contemporary Ecofeminist Art

One of the pioneering figures in contemporary ecofeminist discourse is Juliana Seraphim, a surrealist artist whose work was recently showcased at TEFAF Maastricht by Richard Saltoun Gallery. Born in 1934 in Jaffa, Seraphim fled to Lebanon during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and later became known for her vivid, symbolic paintings that celebrated women as empathetic and sensitive beings deeply connected to nature. While her fellow Palestinian artists criticized her for not directly addressing their political cause, Seraphim remained committed to women’s liberation, envisioning a world infused with love, beauty, and sensitivity. Her art often depicted women in harmony with nature, blending human and environmental forms in intricate ways. For instance, in The Eye, women glide through landscapes wearing insect wings and flowing dresses adorned with capillaries, while in Dance of Love, a female figure rises triumphantly from a flower, surrounded by swirling patterns and a stylized snake. Seraphim’s work challenges the division between humans and nature, emphasizing their interconnectedness. As Niamh Coghlan, director of Richard Saltoun Gallery, noted, “Juliana was interested in pulling them back together.”

Gjertrud Hals: Weaving Together Nature and Femininity

Gjertrud Hals, a Norwegian fiber artist, brings a unique perspective to ecofeminism through her intricate and symbolic works. Growing up on the remote island of Finnoya in the 1950s, Hals witnessed the environmental destruction caused by overfishing, which forced her family and many others to leave their home. Later, while living in the Norwegian fjords, she saw a spectacular waterfall harnessed for hydropower, an experience that inspired her to launch a successful campaign to protect a nearby watershed. These environmental concerns, combined with the feminist movements of the 1960s, motivated Hals to explore weaving and embroidery as a way to elevate women’s crafts to fine art. While she describes her work as less overtly political today, her art remains deeply tied to ecofeminist themes. Her solo exhibition at TEFAF, presented by Galerie Maria Wettergren, features delicate paper vessels resembling seashells and wombs, symbolizing the fragility and strength of both womanhood and nature. In Golden, she uses copper netting to “catch” golden herrings and other animals cut from caviar mayonnaise tubes, questioning the value placed on the natural world. Hals’ work subtly reflects the interconnectedness of humans and nature, offering a hopeful vision of a world “after the storm.”

"Life on Earth": Bridging Art and Ecofeminism

Catherine Taft’s exhibition Life on Earth: Art and Ecofeminism debuted at the Brick in Los Angeles in fall 2023 and is now on view at West Den Haag museum in The Hague through July 27. The show aims to portray ecofeminism as an intersectional movement, blending art, activism, and hope. Featuring nearly 20 artists from around the world, including Colombia and Nigeria, the exhibition highlights the diverse ways in which ecofeminism inspires creative and sustainable practices. For instance, the Institute of Queer Ecology presents videos of caterpillar chrysalises to envision a world where capitalist extractivism is transformed into a regenerative system. Meanwhile, Yo-E Ryou’s soundscape and underwater maps document her experience learning sustainable seafood harvesting from female free divers in South Korea. These works challenge viewers to rethink their relationship with nature and imagine a more equitable and sustainable future. To further amplify the exhibition’s message, a 24-hour online and in-person symposium on ecofeminist art will take place on March 21, spanning time zones from Seoul to Los Angeles. The event will bring together global communities to explore the intersection of art, feminism, and environmental justice.

Art as Activism: Ecofeminist Practices for a Better World

One of the most compelling aspects of Life on Earth is its emphasis on art as a form of activism. Leslie Labowitz-Starus’s installation, part of her 40-year project Sproutime, exemplifies this approach. Blending sprout-growing, education, performance art, and installations, Sproutime seeks to raise awareness about the impact of war on soil and food security. At West Den Haag, Labowitz-Starus juxtaposes sprouts, soil, and posters from women’s peace marches to illustrate how war destroys ecosystems and contaminates the land. Her work offers a powerful critique of violence and a vision of care and nurturing as alternative ways of being in the world. Similarly, the exhibition as a whole invites viewers to adopt a feminist perspective rooted in care, collaboration, and respect for all life. As Taft remarked, “Working together and finding communities where you can make a change really does make a difference.”

Conclusion: Ecofeminism as a Path Forward

The resurgence of ecofeminism in the 21st century reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change in the face of planetary crises. From Juliana Seraphim’s surrealist visions of harmony between women and nature to Gjertrud Hals’ intricate fiber art and the collective activism of Life on Earth, these artists and curators are reshaping the movement for a new generation. Ecofeminism today is not just a critique of patriarchy and capitalism but a call to action—a reminder that another way of being in the world is possible. By embracing collaboration, caregiving, and the sacredness of all life, ecofeminism offers a path forward, one that inspires hope and transformation in the face of uncertainty. As the global symposium accompanying Life on Earth makes clear, this is a movement that transcends borders and disciplines, uniting people worldwide in the pursuit of a more just and sustainable future.