This article was written for CityChangers.org by Mahak Agrawal, Steering Board Member of ITACUS and Founder of All Bits Count (ABC). In it, Mahak shares her journey into sustainable art with her mum – where repurposed materials and creative reimagining drives awareness of climate change. Through intergenerational collaborative projects, Mahak and her mother have discovered that art is not only a powerful medium for storytelling but also an effective catalyst for community engagement and action.
In an era where urban landscapes are evolving at breakneck speed and nature’s once-bountiful beauty teeters on the brink of oblivion, there exists an urgent need for a new kind of creative revolution. A revolution where art transcends aesthetics to become a force for environmental transformation and urban renewal.
I invite you on a journey into the realm of sustainable art—a realm where every brushstroke is an act of defiance against waste, every repurposed material a testament to hope, and every reimagined cultural icon a call to action. Because in today’s world, when it comes to safeguarding our planet and our cities, truly All Bits Count.
A Journey Rooted in Family, Flora & the Urgency of Now
My journey into sustainable art has been inextricably linked to my mum—a partner in creativity and a source of unwavering support. Our collaboration is more than a professional partnership; it’s a reflection of our shared history, values, and dreams for a better future.
There is something profoundly magical about creating art with someone you love.
My earliest memories are steeped in the vibrant chaos of colour and creativity. As a toddler, I would sit for hours watching my mum transform the most ordinary household items into extraordinary canvases. She painted over pots, canvases, and textiles; our home resonating with the joyful clatter of shared exploration. Those moments of creative play were never merely about aesthetics—they were my first lessons in the magic of reinvention and the boundless possibilities hidden in everyday objects.
Yet, as the years passed, a new reality began to crystallise: the natural world that once inspired our playful brushstrokes was not safe from human greed. The breathtaking floral landscapes that coloured my childhood have become a poignant reminder of nature’s fragility. I have witnessed, with both wonder and worry, how these natural beauties—so vital and vibrant—are increasingly at risk of disappearing from our planet. Soon, these awe-inspiring scenes might only live on as faded memories in history books or behind glass in museums.
The Personal Connection of Sustainable Art
This pressing awareness of nature’s impermanence fuels my commitment to sustainable art. Done together with my mum, it is a heartfelt plea for conservation, a reminder that we must cherish and protect our natural heritage while we still can.
The floral series I have created, inspired by the ephemeral splendour of nature that my mum and I once reveled in, is a testament to this cause. Each piece is not just a celebration of beauty but also a somber reflection on what stands to be lost if we do not act now.
Manju and Mahak Agrawal’s floral art works celebrating nature that we may soon lose. Image credit: Mahak Agrawal
In 2012-13, my artistic journey took a decisive turn. A dear friend, on the cusp of welcoming a new life into the world, requested an artwork that was completely free of toxic chemicals. It was a challenge that struck a personal chord—how could I reconcile my love for art with my responsibility to create a safe, sustainable environment for future generations?
This challenge forced me to re-examine my materials and methods. I began experimenting with unconventional, eco-friendly resources, and the humble coffee grounds—usually tossed out after a single brew—became my first medium. That day, I realised that sustainability wasn’t just about reducing waste; it was about reimagining our relationship with the materials around us. I had discovered that even the most overlooked by-products could be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful.
Crafting Change on Canvas: a Commitment to Sustainable Materials
At the heart of my practice is a deep-seated commitment to sustainability.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital installations and fleeting trends such as NFTs—whose environmental impact is all too real—I choose to work with materials that honour our commitment to the planet.
My creations are a marriage of innovation and tradition; together with my mum, I source natural inks, craft our works on sustainably produced linen canvases, and use non-toxic paints acquired from all over the world.
Our travels, especially across the vibrant and chaotic landscapes of India, have enriched our palette with colours, textures, and techniques that celebrate the intricate tapestry of culture and nature. Each sustainable artwork we craft isn’t about producing more or profits; it’s about doing better with less.
I am acutely aware of the environmental cost associated with many modern artistic practices. That is why, while I occasionally leverage the power of generative AI to reimagine ideas on paper and canvas, I consciously refrain from creating digital or physical installations that could exacerbate our ecological footprint. The aim is to ensure that every creative act, every repurposed item, is a positive contribution—an example that demonstrates how art can be both beautiful and sustainable.
Reimagining Nostalgia: From DuckTales to Mr. Monopoly
Many of us grew up with characters that symbolise wealth, excess, and the thrill of possibility. Take Uncle Scrooge from DuckTales, for instance—a duck famously known for diving into a literal swimming pool of gold coins, emerging with riches glistening in his feathers. Impractical? Certainly. Relatable? More than you might imagine. In 2025, aren’t we all a bit like Uncle Scrooge, hoarding our treasures yet hesitating to invest in a future that might one day be beyond saving?
Uncle Scrooge, reimagined. Image credit: Mahak Agrawal
Cartoons like DuckTales were never solely about escapist humour; they subtly imparted lessons on resourcefulness, tenacity, and even a cautionary note on greed. What if we could harness that very spirit—channeling the same cartoon magic to spark real, tangible climate action? Imagine if Uncle Scrooge traded his lavish gold dives for bold investments in renewable energy, circular economies, or ambitious rewilding projects. It’s a radical thought: transforming symbols of opulence into icons of sustainability.
In my latest Sustainable Art Series, I have taken this concept and ran with it. One of my most talked-about pieces reimagines Uncle Scrooge not as a miserly duck, but as a visionary climate investor. This quirky tribute challenges us to question our own priorities: are we investing in fleeting luxuries, or are we safeguarding the planet for future generations? And alongside him, a reworked Mr Monopoly, placing the planet over profits, serves as a playful yet pointed reminder that the systems we have long taken for granted can—and must—be reinvented.
Reframing What We Know to Understand What We Struggle To
Cultural icons hold a unique sway over public perception; they encapsulate collective memories and offer familiar touchstones in an increasingly complex world. Figures like Mr Monopoly and Uncle Scrooge, steeped in childhood nostalgia and emblematic of a bygone era of unchecked capitalism, have long represented wealth, power, and the systems we often accept without question. But what if we could turn these symbols on their head?
I invite viewers to rethink the narratives we have long taken for granted. It is a playful subversion, one that gently mocks the absurdity of a system that values profit over the planet, while simultaneously offering a hopeful vision for the future.
This reimagining is not merely an exercise in satire—it is a deliberate strategy to make the conversation about climate change more accessible. Humour, after all, has the unique power to disarm even the most entrenched cynicism, opening up new pathways for dialogue. By infusing my work with wit and irreverence, I aim to bridge the gap between the seemingly abstract world of environmental science and the tangible experiences of everyday life.
The Power of Connection
Art, at its core, is a language—a universal means of communication that transcends borders, cultures, and disciplines. In my work, I blend rigorous scientific inquiry with innovative technology and a generous dose of humour to tell stories that matter. While the science of climate change can often seem cold and impersonal, art has the uncanny ability to infuse these hard facts with emotion, transforming data into dialogue.
For instance, in some of my interactive pieces, I have integrated digital tools such as QR codes that reveal hidden layers of environmental data—local pollution levels, global waste statistics, and even insights into urban heat islands. This multisensory approach transforms a static artwork into a dynamic educational experience, one that bridges the gap between scientific fact and lived experience. It is a reminder that every bit of information—every fragment of data—can be woven into the narrative of hope and resilience.
Yet, even as I embrace technology as a creative tool, I remain ever mindful of its pitfalls. The digital world is rife with noise, and for independent artists like myself, it is a challenge to stand out amid the cacophony of commercial culture. But it is precisely this struggle that fuels my determination. In a noisy world, sustainable art must shout louder, engage deeper, and resonate more profoundly with its audience. It is a battle not just for artistic recognition, but for the very soul of our urban environments.
Sustainable Art for Reimagining our Cities
Cities are living, breathing canvases—vibrant hubs where culture, innovation, and community converge. Yet, they are also epicenters of environmental challenges, from pollution to urban sprawl, from waste management crises to the loss of green spaces. It is here, amidst the concrete and chaos, that sustainable art can serve as a powerful catalyst for change.
Imagine walking through a city where every mural, every repurposed installation, tells a story of transformation. Picture urban spaces where the boundaries between art and activism blur, where citizens, policymakers, urban planners, and businesses come together to reimagine their shared future. My work is not just a personal creative endeavour—it is an invitation to all urban changemakers to join in crafting a narrative that is as bold as it is beautiful.
Through interactive workshops, community collaborations, and public installations (designed with a minimal environmental footprint), I strive to create platforms that empower individuals. One such workshop in New York saw participants of all ages contribute recycled materials to a collective art installation. The result was nothing short of transformative—a mosaic of hope built from the discarded remnants of everyday life. This grassroots approach underscores a simple yet profound truth: every small action contributes to a larger, global movement for sustainability.
Embracing the Future: Challenges, Opportunities and the Path Forward
The future of sustainable art is as boundless as the creativity that fuels it, yet it is not without its challenges.
Emerging technologies—virtual reality, blockchain-based provenance, and advanced data visualisation—offer exciting new avenues for artistic expression and audience engagement. They hold the promise of creating immersive, transformative experiences that educate, inspire, and mobilise communities. However, with these innovations come new responsibilities. We must ensure that our technological choices do not come at the expense of the very environment we seek to protect.
For me, the solution lies in balance: harnessing the power of technology to amplify our message while remaining steadfast in our commitment to sustainability. I am committed to broadening the narrative by collaborating with artists, environmentalists, and communities from diverse backgrounds. Inclusivity is not just a buzzword—it is a necessary ingredient for driving lasting change. When people see their own stories reflected in art, they become not just spectators, but active participants in a shared vision for a greener, more resilient future.
This journey, from repurposing coffee grounds to reimagining iconic cultural figures, has taught me that sustainable art is not a niche pursuit—it is a movement. A movement that calls on every individual, every community, every city to reimagine what is possible when creativity and commitment converge.
The Struggles & Triumphs of an Independent Artist
Navigating the noisy, often overwhelming world of contemporary art as an independent creator is no small feat. In an era where commercial interests frequently overshadow genuine innovation, sustainable art must work doubly hard to capture the public’s imagination. The challenges are many: securing funding, overcoming the inertia of traditional practices, and carving out a space amidst the constant barrage of digital distractions. Yet, it is in this struggle that the true spirit of sustainable art is forged.
Every day, I witness firsthand the obstacles that independent artists face in trying to bring their visions to life. But these challenges also present unique opportunities to redefine the parameters of creativity. By opting to use repurposed materials and eco-friendly methods, my work stands as a tangible reminder that beauty can be born from waste and that every discarded remnant holds the potential for reinvention.
My creative journey is enriched not only by my own experiences but also by the countless individuals and communities who share this vision. Working alongside my mum, whose unyielding passion and support have been instrumental in shaping my artistic philosophy, has been a deeply transformative experience. Our collaboration is more than a partnership—it is a celebration of shared values, of a commitment to craft art that speaks not only to the eyes but also to the heart.
The Urban Canvas: Sustainable Art as a Beacon for Change-makers
Cities around the world are at a crossroads. They are hubs of innovation, diversity, and culture, yet they also grapple with environmental challenges that threaten their very fabric. It is here, in the urban landscape, that sustainable art finds its most resonant expression. Whether it is through a community mural that transforms an alleyway into a vibrant celebration of nature, or an interactive installation that reveals hidden layers of environmental data, sustainable art has the power to galvanise citizens, inspire policymakers, and redefine the ethos of our urban spaces.
My work is dedicated to creating dialogues between art and the urban environment. By engaging with local communities and collaborating with city planners, I aim to integrate sustainable art into the very infrastructure of our cities. This is not merely about beautification—it is about transforming how we perceive and interact with our surroundings. It is about creating urban sanctuaries where art, science, and activism converge, reminding us that every decision, every brushstroke, contributes to the larger mosaic of change.
A Call to Action: Join the Creative Revolution
As I stand at the intersection of art and activism, I am continually inspired by the resilience of communities and the untapped potential that lies within every discarded material. My journey, which began with playful afternoons spent with my mum and has evolved into a full-blown mission to champion sustainability, is a testament to the power of creative collaboration. Each artwork, each reimagined icon, is a clarion call—a reminder that our actions today will shape the legacy of our cities tomorrow.
To the artists, the dreamers, the urban changemakers, and every individual who cares about the future of our planet: I urge you to join this creative revolution. Let us not be passive spectators in a world that is rapidly changing. Instead, let us harness our collective energy, our diverse talents, and our shared commitment to transform our cities into living, breathing canvases of sustainability.
Imagine a future where every public space, every community centre, and every street corner bursts with creative energy. A future where sustainable art is not a niche, but a mainstream movement—a movement that inspires policy, influences urban planning, and reshapes our relationship with the environment. It starts with a single brushstroke, a single repurposed piece of material, and a single idea that refuses to be ignored.
Remember: when it comes to preserving our planet and reinvigorating our cities, every action matters. Every creative spark, every moment of inspiration, every recycled remnant contributes to a brighter, more resilient future.
It’s time to reimagine our world. One bold brush stroke at a time.