The Time of the Force Majeure...

The Time of the Force Majeure: After 45 Years, Counterforce is on the Horizon

This book offers a 21st-century manifesto from the pioneers of the eco-art movement. Since the 1970s Helen and Newton Harrison have been creating art inspired by the earth. They established a worldwide network among biologists, ecologists, architects, urban planners, politicians, and other artists to initiate collaborative dialogues about ideas and solutions which support biodiversity and community development. This definitive survey traces an influential joint career that has lasted nearly half a century. Organized chronologically, it features works from each decade, from their earliest installations to their continent-traversing work of the 1990s; and their most recent works both educating people about global warming and designing large scale responses to the phenomena itself.

Helen and Newton Harrison's work demonstrates the surprising power of art to change society and influence or even create environmental policy. The scope and impact of their work is astonishing and transcends typical art boundaries. For example:

• 1974- Crab Farm. First people in the world to discover how to get a mangrove crab to reproduce and survive in captivity. As a result first artists ever awarded a Sea Grant by Scripps institute. 
• 1981- Baltimore Promenade. Citywide redesign centered on rebuilding the decaying promenade system in downtown Baltimore creating the cultural corridor. $15 million dollar work was incorporated into the city plan. 
• 1989- Sava River. Long-term environmental recovery plan for Sava River, the largest tributary of the Danube. Adopted by Croation Water Department prior to breakup of Yugoslavia. Plan survived the Civil Wars and was expanded to neighboring Drava River system. Awarded Nagoya Biennale prize. 
• 1994-2001 Greenheart Vision. Worked with a team of planners in Holland to save the 800 sq km “Greenheart” of Holland from a $220B destructive development plan. Transformed regional development. Awarded Groenveld prize. 
• 2005-2007 Greenhouse Britain. 3-year collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to increase climate awareness in England. Large-scale community work successful at democratizing the planning process. Awarded CIWEM prize.