Archived press release

Leading artist backs Friends of the Earth

3 January 2007

Kurt Jackson, an internationally acclaimed artist who creates his paintings in all weathers and conditions, is supporting Friends of the Earth in a new exhibition which will run from 17 January until 3 February 2007 at Messum's Fine Art Gallery in Cork Street, London. When he works, Kurt immerses himself in the world around him. He regularly paints large canvases out on the Cornish cliff tops, weighted down by granite boulders.

Kurt Jackson has been artist-in-residence at the Glastonbury Festival since 1999, painting musicians such as Coldplay, Pete Doherty, Oasis and Radiohead - whose lead singer Thom Yorke is a Friends of the Earth supporter and official ambassador. Jackson's work is auctioned off for environmental charities at the end of the festival.

Kurt Jackson said

"The time is right. Friends of the Earth is speaking very loudly about climate change. That's why I want to back them. It's important to me and my work."

His home in Penwith, West Cornwall is carbon neutral - one of just a handful in the country. A wind turbine in his garden and a heat exchange pump bored deep into the earth under the house generate all the energy needed for the family home. Excess power is fed back into the National Grid. They grow most of their own vegetables and have created an eco-friendly pond.

The Government announced in its pre-budget report that it wants all new homes to be carbon neutral by 2016, so Kurt is one step ahead of the Chancellor.

Kurt adds:

"I see myself as an environmentalist. It's my main concern. It's the fundamental issue and springboard for everything else in my life.

"When out painting you see seasonal changes happening later and earlier. I was on the beach and I painted butterflies. Butterflies in December. It's bizarre! The other day I found a foxglove in full bloom near my house - it's a spring flower! I want people to see the wonder and complexity of nature through my art, to appreciate the beauty. Beauty is not a sexy word in contemporary art, but beauty can open people's eyes and make them more likely to do something to protect the planet."

Friends of the Earth's Director, Tony Juniper said:

"Kurt Jackson is one of the few modern painters to have set out to describe our ecological dilemma and the possibilities for a more sympathetic relationship with the Earth. We are delighted that Kurt is supporting us through his work."

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust