Environmental Art and Ecological Awareness: Projects in Akwa Ibom State

Environmental art that engages directly with ecological issues has gained visibility globally as artists respond to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss through creative practice. This study examines environmental art projects in Akwa Ibom State, located in Nigeria's South South geopolitical zone, where oil extraction and pipeline activity have created significant ecological challenges that local artists have engaged. A qualitative research design is employed, documenting and analysing art installations, community art projects, and environmental photography works produced by artists based in Uyo and coastal communities between 2020 and 2024. Case study methodology is applied to three selected environmental art projects, gathering data through artist interviews, community participant observations, and photographic analysis of the artworks. The theoretical framework draws on ecoaesthetics, environmental humanities, and the advocacy art literature. The study examines whether environmental art in Akwa Ibom is functioning as meaningful public communication or primarily as artistic commentary directed at educated gallery audiences, assessing the distribution of works across community and institutional exhibition contexts. The study also investigates the collaborative relationships between artists and environmental activists and non-governmental organisations working on oil pollution issues. Recent literature on ecological art in the Niger Delta and adjoining South South states has identified art as an underutilised tool in environmental justice advocacy. Findings are intended for environmental organisations, arts councils, and fine arts educators with interests in socially engaged art practice. Keywords: environmental art, ecological awareness, Akwa Ibom, South South Nigeria, advocacy art