Exhibition Guide

Printed Text in “The Effects of Climate Change on Arctic Life and Land”

The text on the label for this sound station reads:

What happens when glaciers melt?

Rising land and ocean temperatures—commonly referred to as global warming—and the accelerated melting of glaciers are visible indicators of climate change. More than one-third of the world’s glaciers will melt within the next 75 years. As glaciers recede, polar bears and walruses lose their natural habitats. Melting glaciers also release a large amount of freshwater into the ocean, causing saltwater fish to migrate or die.

This shift is not only devastating to wildlife but also impacts humans, particularly local Indigenous communities and the industries they rely on including fishing, hunting, and sled dogging. While stopping ice melt in regions such as Greenland is no longer possible, limiting fossil fuel use can still play a critical role in preventing the complete collapse of the glacial ecosystem.

Immerse yourself in this soundscape while exploring Rockwell Kent’s Artist in Greenland to experience this complex environmental shift.

(Duration: 2 minutes, looped)

The images on this label include:

Image 1: Three sled dogs rest on rocky terrain near simple shelters, with a backdrop of icy waters and distant snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky. A caption for this image reads: For 4,000 years, Greenlanders used sled dogs, a unique breed, for transportation and hunting. As Greenland’s snowy landscape melts, local communities rely less on these dogs for their essential daily activities, which will destroy this traditional industry.

Image 2: Diagram illustrating the impacts of global warming, including habitat loss for wildlife, melting glaciers, and effects on local industries.

Visual Description of Rockwell Kent’s “Artist in Greenland”

This landscape painting depicts a massive icy structure in the distance—possibly an iceberg or a cluster of towering ice formations. Its structure is complex and imposing, with jagged edges, deep crevices, and layered. The ice is intricately rendered in a palette of pale blues, purples, and grays, capturing the light and shadow.

The foreground features a vast expanse of flat, white snow or ice. At the center of the composition, a figure stands with their back turned, painting the mountain-like structure on an easel. They appear to be dressed in dark clothing, possibly fur or thick garments. Behind them, dogs rest on the ground.

The sky is a deep, clear blue, and the sun’s position suggests it might be near the horizon. The colors used convey a sense of cold and vastness, typical of an Arctic landscape. The painting style is somewhat stylized, using broad brushstrokes and flat areas of color.

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