First coined in the 1970s, the term ecocide comes from the Greek word for “house” (oikos) and the Latin verb “to kill” (caedere). Ecocide literally describes the killing of our home – regions of the planet and their ecosystems. 

Looking for a more formal definition, legal scholars have come up with a definition for ecocide: “Unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment….” At least 14 countries, including France, Ukraine, and Vietnam, have made ecocide a crime. A dozen others are considering similar legislation. Meanwhile, efforts continue to get ecocide recognized as a crime under international law.  

This show focuses on ecocide in the context of armed conflict. We want to bring attention not only to the destruction but also to efforts to resist ecocide, restore the land, and begin to heal some of ecocide’s wounds. 

Two themes emerge from the works in this show. Some force us to confront the horrors of ecocide – the destruction of ancient trees and forests; the poisoning of land, air and water; the mass destruction of flora and fauna; the forced displacement of people that inevitably follows. 

But another theme is resistance, resilience, and return to the land, followed by restoration, reblooming, and perhaps some measure of justice. With honesty and sensitivity, these eleven artists help us reflect on an emotionally challenging but nevertheless urgent and important subject.