The experiential and narrative aspects of the arts can fundamentally shift how we act on the climate change crisis by transforming meaning, not just delivering facts | When the water crisis threatens the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa, one of Earth’s earliest homes of modern humans, facts alone wont shift our behaviour. Across the world, we already know the science, yet we fail to act. South African artist Johan Thom shows how the arts can change what water, soil, and survival actually mean to us. Drawing on personal history, Darwin’s ideas, and years of artistic experimentation, he reveals how beauty, choice, and imagination shape the core decisions that determine our collective future. While the sciences may diagnose the problem, the arts help us feel and experience our changing world in different ways, reminding us that meaning, not data, drives human action | South African artist Johan Thom works across performance, video, and installation to probe the human condition in a changing world. As curator of the forthcoming Soil & Water exhibition at NIROX, he brings artists together to engage with ecology, resilience, and our shared climate future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Posts Tagged ‘tedx’
Beauty and survival in a changing climate | Johan Thom | TEDxJohannesburg
Posted in News, tagged Art, art and beauty, art and evolution, beauty, Climate Change, Contemporary Art, Darwin, Johan Thom, Nirox Foundation, tedx, tedxjohannesburg, water crisis on December 11, 2025|
Posted in News, tagged Art, climate-change, environment, News, tedx on October 15, 2025|
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TEDx Johannesburg presentsCOUNTDOWN25 October 2025 TEDxJohannesburg Countdown reimagines what a TEDx experience can be. Focused on accelerating climate action, this two-day journey begins in the vibrant energy of Sandton and culminates in the tranquil beauty of NIROX Sculpture Park in the Cradle of Humankind. Day 2, at NIROX, unfolds in nature’s calm, where TEDx talks, performances, and creative activations will ignite ideas for a better, greener, and more resilient future. Grounded in South African realities, shaped by Global South perspectives, and tuned to planetary frequencies, this gathering will spotlight local solutions with global power. It forms part of a worldwide drumbeat toward two major climate moments: the G20 climate meetings in Johannesburg and COP30 in Belém, Brazil. As one of only 18 TEDx events globally selected as an official TED Countdown Anchor, we carry forward the energy of the Countdown Summit recently held in Nairobi and bring it into a uniquely South African, globally connected context. We are proud to hold this moment with care and courage. Speakers Crispian OliverShaping climate leadership Lebogang MulaisiChampioning workers in a changing climate Clyde MallinsonModelling a renewable future Viaksha MohabirSouth Africa in global energy futures Leanne Emery-HunterFinancing resilience Gamuchirai MutezoTurning waste into energy Taylen ReddyYouth for environmental justice Tebogo MakhubelaAncient clues to climate futures Charles Mpofu Cranes as wetland sentinels Steve CarverSeeds of resilience Jen Van Den BusscheDignity in water and sanitation Sifiso GumbiFrom waste picker to pioneer Leonie JoubertStories of climate change Nokulinda MkhizeAncestral wisdom, future balance Johan ThomThe art of meaning, Soil & Water Performances Christophe Fellay & Thulisile Binda Rhythms of a fragile planet Oupa Sibeko Inland Ocean Music by Muneyi Itai Hakim Gates open at 10h00on Saturday, 25 October |
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To a greener, fairer, thriving future. |
| NIROX is a private not-for-profit foundation to benefit the arts All income is used to maintain the grounds, the artist residency programme, and artist support. NIROX Foundation is dedicated to bringing exceptional cultural experiences to the world through commitment to quality programming and artistic innovation aiming to enrich lives and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts in all its forms.No food, drinks, pets, gazebos, cooler boxes or sporting equipment may be brought into the park. No camping chairs or beach umbrellas may be brought into the amphitheatre; Hay bales will be provided for seating; picnic blankets and sun-hats are recommended Entry and use of the facilities is entirely at the visitor’s own riskNIROX has no responsibility for injury or loss of any kind, howsoever arising For more information, including updates on the concert program and featured artists, visitwww.niroxarts.com.NIROX lies in the Kromdraai Valley, which is expanding for visitors’ enjoyment and local community development with diverse initiatives, including: The Villa-Legodi Centre for Sculpture at NIROX The Kromdraai Impact Hub, creative residency for collaboration and social impactand Farmhouse58, Accommodation PartnerFor further informationvilla-legodi.com kromdraai hub.com farmhouse58.co wellness58.com |
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