In 2023, the Knowledge E Foundation has sponsored another climate change mural in partnership with The University of Exeter in the beautiful city of Cairo. Funded by proceeds from Knowledge E, its parent organisation, the foundation supports various sustainable initiatives, not only related to climate change, but also to education and other humane causes.
This is the second mural that the Knowledge E Foundation sponsors in partnership with the university. In 2022, Rana Hamdan, an artist and architect, completed a similar work of art in Alexandria which was unveiled ahead of COP 27.
This year’s mural was commissioned to another experienced muralist, Gary Cook. The Exmouth-based artist, also known as “GARf”, was selected by Art Work Exeter and the University of Exeter to create an unforgettable contribution for the University Green Futures’ We Still Have a Chance project.
Cook was an art director for most of his career, working in advertising for more than 20 years. A few years ago, he began creating wall art and has since been working in Exmouth, where his talent and efforts have transformed numerous public spaces. As an artist who deeply considers the impact of his work, Cook focuses on selecting the right style, colour palette, and elements for each piece, ensuring it harmonises with the setting, environment, and community where it will reside.
The new mural, which depicts a young girl with a butterfly in her hand staring at a bright world ahead, is situated close to the City Library. The left side of the mural is monochrome with ships, sewer pipes, cars, and smoke that overtakes the sky while the right side depicts a vibrant community with houses, buildings, and different means of transportation and sustainable energy sources like wind turbines. Separating both worlds is a parent and their child, their backs turned to the decay behind them as they look ahead at the vivacious community in front of them. This transition is a powerful reminder that we are can be the difference between these two worlds through our actions and our choices.
In a short video, GARf explained how, even before it’s completion, the mural had succeeded in sparking conversations among passersby. He commented, ‘I believe good street art should lift the soul – better still if it promotes discussion, debate, and even if it can change beliefs and behaviour.’
Planetary Health Lead for the project and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Exeter Medical School, Professor Ian Fussell, He spoke about how storytelling through artistic expressions like art, music, and drama has the ability to engage thousands in climate action, blending facts and emotions. He emphasised that this legacy is now visible in Garf’s vibrant work.
Adding to what Professor Fussel had mentioned, Kamran Kardan, the founder and CEO of Knowledge E stated, ‘Climate change represents one of humankind’s most profound challenges, but it is important that we communicate that challenge through different channels and media. The arts will have a key role in this regard, so we are proud to support this legacy project with the University and ArtWork Exeter, and hope that it will resonate with the public and inspire change for years to come.’
Read more about other initiatives that The Knowledge E Foundation has been a part of
