Laya's work transforms data and code into mesmeric artwork. Making the invisible effects of climate destruction into something tangible and accessible. We spoke to her about how she uses technology and creativity to engage with climate change and the power of art to evoke emotional response to these issues. Her work has been exhibited in the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, ARS Electronica and has been featured in Fortune, VOGUE , Vice.
How have you approached sustainability in your work?
In my work, I strive to raise awareness about environmental issues such as deforestation and climate change. By visually representing these ideas in form of an artwork, I aim to provoke thought and inspire action toward a more sustainable future.
What were the key issues that you wanted to convey in the design process?
The primary issues I focus on are the destruction of rainforests, particularly the Amazon, and the broader impacts of climate change. My work “Breath In Breath out” aims to highlight the urgency of conservation and the severe consequences of environmental degradation.
How do you approach and visualise these issues ?
I use the tools that I am best at, mostly 3D animations and some basic coding. Sometimes I also map the data points into animations to visualise these issue. This helps me to make complicated ideas easier to understand. Whether it’s representing scientific ideas or technical processes, I love turning data into something visually interesting and easy to grasp.
How else have you illustrated climate change in your work?
Another work go mine raised awareness at COP 28. The work “Metamorphosis of Earth - Year 4021” was exhibited in Heriot-Watt University Dubai, as part of COP 28, bringing together global leaders and activists to address climate change. This work was an augmented reality piece work that was visible through VR head sets. It was exhibited in Heriot-Watt University for over a week.
The work was highlighting environmental challenges that might take place in the coming future if we resist to not take any action, aiming to evoke emotional responses and inspire action. It was also exhibited for promoting tourism at Kazakhstan as part of Art Bat 11 it took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It focused on public art and the Anthropocene critique. The exhibit transformed urban spaces into artistic enclaves, engaging both locals and tourists, promoting cultural tourism in Almaty.
