An international arts project expressing the zeitgeist of the ecological crisis by global majority pioneers.

The Colour of Transformation is an ongoing studio research project that illuminates and expresses the experiences and activism of pioneering Global Majority women working in nature. Inspired by the metaphor of metamorphosis and integrating dance, wild drawing, costume, music and documentary, the project celebrates alternative ways of understanding our relationship to the natural world.

As an evolving project involving numerous collaborations, The Colour of Transformation explores embodied storytelling as an invitation into intimate journeys of personal change, creating space and time for self-reflection in light of the ecological crisis.

The Colour of Transformation

Photographs by Ewelina Ruminska, London 2022

Introduction

Introduction
UK

UK
Trinidad

Trinidad
London

London

The Colour of Transformation was created by and for those whose perspectives are largely marginalised in climate and ecosystem policy discussions. By unapologetically platforming the voices of women of Global Majority heritage within the public realm, the project contributes to wider efforts to redress the imbalance of representation within discourse concerning humanity’s response to climate change and ecological collapse.

The narratives the films convey are also a call for everyone to recognise the truth that the natural world is as much ours as it is anyone else’s. We all belong. We are all nature. It urges us to take control of our own narratives as human-nature, strengthening our relationship with the natural world as we reconnect with stories of belonging, community and kinship.

Chantelle Lindsay and passerby, Meanwhile Gardens, London. Photographer: Ewelina Ruminska, 2022

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Audience responses

  • watching the film has changed how I feel, I genuinely walked away thinking how I can quit my job and do something more meaningful. I've also been reflecting on my role as a white woman who represents relatively powerful voices, and the work that we need to do to challenge and not reinforce inequalities.

  • Walking through a dark Meanwhile Gardens to almost literally stumble upon a beautifully lit and welcoming community space was a wonderful start. It's such a pleasure watch a film about the outdoors and feel the cool evening breeze! The background rumble of cars and buses and chat of people walking by contrasted with discussion and visuals on screen of the countryside was a transformational juxtaposition.

  • The film had agency and opened the space for compassion in shared dialogue.

  • if you're a POC wanting to get into conservation, these are your role models...I hope these women know how powerful they are. I cannot even put into words how much their work means to me. Thank you for sharing their stories in the most beautiful way. They lead the way for people like me and the next generation of POC in this sector.

  • This film was thought-provoking and beautiful - everyone in the conservation and environment sector needs to watch it.

  • The Colour of Transformation is thought-provoking and sad and funny and fierce. A really important contribution to environment and questions of access, representation and inclusion.

  • It made me feel seen.

  • I loved that it was an opportunity to celebrate amazing women of colour. However, it also drew my attention to the long way we have to go to ensure that the conservation sector has the diversity it needs to tackle the climate crisis.

  • The film made me feel Mobilised, empowered, angry, hopeful.

  • It gave me hope and excitement for the future of our planet and the inclusion of everyone to help save it... The artwork was very powerful and gripping - a feast for the senses.

  • I felt a sense of united strength with other non-white women in the world of working with nature and conservation. I felt so good and empowered hearing the success of other women.

  • I feel Proud and joyous. What the women had to say was thought-provoking and honest (and told with good humour!). It left a lasting mark - I am still reflecting on their experiences.

  • Inspired and thrilled to hear these brave, informed, adventurous black and brown women talking so knowledgeably and passionately.

  • The film made me feel heartfelt, inspired, creative and energised!

  • I was gripped for the entire time. Fascinating interviews with an incredible group of people who articulated something so obvious & cataclysmic but rarely heard that it's hard not to pay attention.

  • As a woman of colour I see my story in so many of theirs. A range of emotions - sadness in parts, but overall I left feeling positively inspired by them all.

  • I felt very moved by their openness sharing their vulnerability in this area. The interview was moving and insightful, eliciting depth, truth-telling and courage to share their stories. It raised my awareness and sensitivity - I'd like to support more.

  • More forward thinking work like this please, it's so overdue.

  • After watching the film I better appreciate how black and people of colour can feel excluded from participating in the governance of the countryside and even being out in and enjoying the countryside.

  • I felt inspired, engrossed and happy that people of colour are claiming green spaces and connection.

  • The artistic element to the film was incredibly beautiful and very powerful. The colours were incredible, the dancing and music magical, I loved it.

  • I feel sad, happy, angry, brave, wanting to continue fighting to good fight even though it’s hard, (the film) restored my faith in humans...

  • I was so inspired by all the contributors to the film - and the artistic reflection that followed. It made me reflect on my role, and my privilege as a white woman in the environment sector... It made me reflect on what I need to do to put in the meaningful work that requires our processes to change.

  • I found it so emotional! I felt inspired, challenged, overwhelmed, complicit, anxious, joyful, stimulated, connected, reflective, and galvanised.