Location: Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.
CO₂ Emissions: Approximately 72,000 tons over the past 10 years
Focus: Stop Deforestation and Restore Natural Ecosystems
Counterpart: Judy Chicago – "Earth Birth" (1983)
Context & Connection
Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam (1512) stands as one of history’s most iconic depictions of creation. God’s hand reaching toward Adam captures the divine spark of life—a symbol of humanity’s beginnings and potential. Yet, today, that very life and its natural foundations are under threat. The forests, oceans, and ecosystems that nurture all creation are being systematically destroyed, disrupting the balance of life that Michelangelo so powerfully celebrated.
Judy Chicago’s Earth Birth (1983), part of her The Creation series, reimagines the act of creation through a feminist lens. Instead of divine intervention, Chicago envisions the Earth itself as the bearer of life, radiating waves of pain and power. In vivid, earth-toned colors and textured forms, the work celebrates both the strength and fragility of our planet. Crafted in collaboration with textile artist Jacquelyn Moore Alexander, this tapestry honors the often-overlooked role of women’s labor while underscoring the urgent need to restore and care for the Earth’s natural systems.
Statement
"Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam celebrates the gift of life, portraying creation as a divine spark passed from heaven to humanity. Today, however, this gift is imperiled. The destruction of forests, oceans, and natural ecosystems jeopardizes the very life this fresco honors.
Judy Chicago’s Earth Birth transforms the narrative, depicting Mother Earth as the origin of all life—powerful, resilient, yet fragile. Radiating waves of creation and pain, the work reminds us that Earth’s ecosystems are not infinite; they must be cherished and restored.
Chosen in alignment with Greta Thunberg’s call to stop deforestation and restore nature, this pairing urges us to protect the planet that sustains us. Michelangelo’s fresco reminds us of life’s beauty and potential; Chicago’s work compels us to act, ensuring that creation itself can endure."
Why This Works
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Creation and Restoration
- The Creation of Adam: A divine, male-centered vision of humanity’s origins.
- Earth Birth: A feminist reinterpretation that places the Earth, and the act of giving life, at the center of the story.
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Visual and Emotional Impact
- Michelangelo’s fresco symbolizes a timeless, spiritual spark of life.
- Chicago’s tapestry highlights the visceral, earthly labor of creation, using traditional techniques to reclaim a narrative often overlooked.
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Greta’s Vision
- Greta Thunberg’s call to stop deforestation aligns with Chicago’s message: restoring the Earth is not optional; it is essential for preserving life.
Exhibition Context
- The Creation of Adam: A grand vision of life’s origins and the human connection to the divine.
- Earth Birth: A raw and powerful celebration of creation through the lens of Earth and its ecosystems.
- Greta’s Message: The forests, oceans, and natural systems that sustain life must be restored and protected—so creation itself can continue for generations to come.