Responsibility for creation is human, not denominational—that is the clear message of the art exhibition “Life in Crisis – Solidarity in Art,” presented by ESG and MST in Tübingen. It addressed the climate emergency and questions of global justice.
For three weeks, the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Church in Tübingen became a space for art, spirituality, and global solidarity. Under the title “Life in Crisis – Solidarity in Art,” the Protestant Student Community of Tübingen (ESG) and the Muslim Student Group of Tübingen (MST) presented the GreenFaith art exhibition.
“Life in Crisis – Solidarity in Art”
The exhibition, curated by the interfaith climate movement GreenFaith, brought works by five international artists to the Tübingen community. Their paintings, poems, photographs, and installations powerfully visualized what often goes unheard: the voices of those most severely affected by climate change. The artistic contributions came from Brazil, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Germany—united by the desire for a more just, livable future.
GreenFaith – a global, spiritually driven movement – sees itself as a coalition of people of diverse faiths working together for climate justice. At the heart of their work is the conviction that all life is sacred and that religions everywhere share values such as compassion, justice, and the preservation of the Earth. The exhibition “Life in Crisis – Solidarity in Art” is an expression of this attitude: art as resistance, as a spiritual tool, and as an invitation to hope.
Art with attitude: The artists
Among the artists featured was Lucy D’Souza-Krone, a Christian-influenced painter from India whose works draw on biblical and Hindu symbolism and address spiritual responsibility for creation.
Paul Podbielski, a photographer from Saxony, documents political protests – from anti-fascist resistance to climate struggles – and uses his camera to reveal the contradictions of our society.
Micha Sass from Dortmund combines music education and photography. His project “My Globe, Your Globe” demonstrates that the globe connects us all – regardless of continent, religion, or origin.
Anne Njambi Gacheru from Kenya is committed to self-empowerment and environmental protection through art and practice – including through beekeeping and educational work with young people.
And finally, Zeegyasa, a young activist from India, poetically embodies the voice of the earth through texts, collages, and installations. Her work calls for understanding nature not as a backdrop, but as a fellow being.
A space for hope and encounter
The opening on May 25th was a successful launch. Visitors from the city and religious communities gathered to explore the works and engage in conversation.
The closing event on June 15th marked the emotional and thematic climax: Caroline Bader, GreenFaith’s Germany coordinator, visited Tübingen and provided deep insights into the global work of the network, which advocates for a just transition to renewable energies, social justice, and spiritual depth in environmental engagement. Her visit was a gift—and a living testimony to global interconnectedness in faith and action.
Particularly noteworthy is the interreligious collaboration between the Protestant Student Community (ESG) and the Muslim Student Group Tübingen (MST). At a time when cultural divides often seem greater than bridges, this cooperation has demonstrated what is possible when common ground is placed at the center: concern for life, respect for creation, and responsibility for future generations.
Thanks and outlook
Our sincere thanks go to the Bonhoeffer congregation in Tübingen, which made its church available as an exhibition space – not just as a backdrop, but as an active place for discussion and dialogue.
This exhibition has enabled encounters – across cultural, religious, and linguistic boundaries. It has presented the climate emergency not only as an ecological problem, but as a spiritual, social, and political challenge of our time.
May it provide an impetus for further discussions, further cooperation and a growing solidarity that goes beyond words.