“Anthropocene,” a term used to describe the current geological age, is viewed as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

Deeply concerned about these influences, visual artist Cynthia Sibley has created a dynamic art installation also called “Anthropocene,” a four-part meditation on our changing climate and over-consumption of resources, currently showing at the Forestburg Train Station in Forestburg.

Through the use of recyclable and organic materials, Sibley creates a stunning visual story that touches upon the human condition whether on a physical or emotional plane.

The background image in “Melt,” the first and largest work in “Anthropocene,” represents nature in perfect balance.

However, as one moves through the installation, a frozen forest of lighted tubes made from plastic bottles, we move further from that balance which is echoed by the ominous drips of melting ice.

“Vanishing Point,” “The Energy It Takes,” and “Critical Change,” each draw attention to topics that include the melting of Earth’s polar ice caps, the safe and responsible use of fossil fuels, the elimination of natural habitats, and the amount of energy use our society takes for granted.

While interactive and visually appealing to adults and students alike, Ms. Sibley’s powerful installation is driven by an underlying sense of urgency which encourages viewers to discuss what they are seeing and their role in the depicted subjects, either amongst themselves or in classroom settings.

“Anthropocene” premiered at the Stony Plain Cultural Centre in June 2014 and has been nominated for the Eldon and Anne Foote Edmonton Visual Arts Prize.

Viewings of this art installation can be arranged by contacting Ms. Sibley; cynthiasibley@hotmail.com

Darcy Jahns

View the full story in the November 3 edition of The Community Press